Make sure they are a fiduciary
this post was submitted on 21 Feb 2025
8 points (78.6% liked)
Asklemmy
45453 readers
908 users here now
A loosely moderated place to ask open-ended questions
Search asklemmy ๐
If your post meets the following criteria, it's welcome here!
- Open-ended question
- Not offensive: at this point, we do not have the bandwidth to moderate overtly political discussions. Assume best intent and be excellent to each other.
- Not regarding using or support for Lemmy: context, see the list of support communities and tools for finding communities below
- Not ad nauseam inducing: please make sure it is a question that would be new to most members
- An actual topic of discussion
Looking for support?
Looking for a community?
- Lemmyverse: community search
- sub.rehab: maps old subreddits to fediverse options, marks official as such
- [email protected]: a community for finding communities
~Icon~ ~by~ ~@Double_[email protected]~
founded 5 years ago
MODERATORS
This is more for a tax preparer, but might be useful in your situation that my organization put together.
Top Questions to Ask a Paid Preparer
-
How do you determine your fee and how much will it cost?
- Reasonable fees vary, but the cost to prepare your return should not be based on the amount of your refund.
-
Are you open and available all year-round?
- Preparers should be available year-round to help you as needed.
-
What is the expected time frame for receiving my completed tax returns after submitting all required documents?
- Setting clear expectations is crucial.
-
If the Michigan Department of Treasury or IRS contacts me regarding my return, will you be able to assist me?
- The answer should be yes because you must respond if this happens.
-
Will you be signing the tax return as a preparer?
- Yes.
May I see proof of your PTIN?
- All signing preparers are required to have a PTIN.
-
How is your data protected?
- The preparer should have a written security plan as required by the IRS.
-
Will I be receiving my refund directly (i.e., through the mail or direct deposit)?
- Refunds should come to you directly, and direct deposit is the fastest and safest way to get your refund.
-
Will you provide me with a copy of my completed tax return and return any original documents I provided?
- Yes.
-
Are you affiliated with a professional organization?
-
How do you learn about new tax laws?
- The best answer is through continuing education.
- Do you have a professional license, credential, or training? If so, may I see proof including current status?
*A "no" response to questions 8 & 9 does not necessarily mean that the tax preparer has a lesser ability to properly prepare your tax return.