Many individuals and businesses take help for the tax preparation from someone/tax professionals. If you pay the tax preparer to prepare tax returns the IRS suggests that you prefer that the tax preparer intelligently. Taxpayers are legally responsible for what is on their tax returns even if prepared by a tax preparer or someone else. Therefore it is important to with awareness choose when hiring a person or company in order to prepare the return. Most return preparers are professional, reliable and provide high quality services to its clients.

Here are some points to consider when someone else prepares the return:

* Check the qualifications of the person. Ask if the preparer is associated with a tax professional organization that provides its members with continuing education and resources and maintains a code of ethics. New regulations effective in 2011 requiring all paid preparers tax return, including tax lawyers, auditors, and enrolled agents to Preparer Tax Identification Number.

* Overview of the history of the preparer. Make sure the preparer is no doubt the history of the Better Business Bureau and see if the disciplinary proceedings and state licensing boards in the state accounting for the APC, the status bar association for lawyers and the IRS Office of Professional Responsibility of registered representatives.

* Know your fees for the service. Avoid preparers who base their fees on a percentage refund or who claim they can get a better return than other preparers.

* Make sure your tax preparer is available. Make sure you will be able to contact your tax preparer after the return was filed after the deadline in April, in case of questions.

* Please provide all documents and receipts necessary to prepare the return. The most reputable preparers will request to see their records and receipts and take a few to determine the total income and your qualifications expenses, allowances and other items.

* Never sign a blank return. Avoid tax preparers that ask you to sign a blank tax form.

* Check the return before signing. Before signing a tax return, inspection and ask questions. Make sure you understand everything and are comfortable with the accuracy of the statement before signing.

* Make sure that the preparer sign the form and include your PTIN. Preparer must sign and return your PTIN as required by law. Although the preparer signs the return, you are responsible for the accuracy of every item on your statement. Preparer must also provide a copy of the declaration.

IRS can help many taxpayers prepare their returns without the help of paid processor. Before seeking a paid preparer, taxpayers might consider how much information is available directly from the IRS through the IRS website.

- Reference: www.IRS.gov

American Tax Professionals Network is co-founded by Hugh Pendleton who is a CPA with 30 years of experience. Our team of Tax Professionals is dedicated to providing you with the finest tax planning and preparation available. All of our tax professionals are either CPA’s (Certified Public Accountants) or E.A.’s (Enrolled Agents) and Tax Attorney’s. We attempt to match you with local Tax Professionals whenever possible.

Although almost all of the work can be accomplished securely over the internet we recognize that there are times when nothing will do but a face to face meeting. You will know who is responsible for your tax work and will always have phone and e-mail connections for your questions. We recommend that you do as much as possible over the internet as this keeps costs low for both you and your Tax Professional.