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There are all sorts of accountants in the world today. Some of them are allowed to work for the IRS itself and are permitted to electronically file your tax return, while some of them have little to no official training and are really just glorified book keepers. A variety of them work on behalf of individuals, others with businesses, still others perform tax returns, while others do not even touch tax returns. It may prove to be a difficulty, locating a reliable tax accountant, although simply tracking down a person to file your tax returns on your behalf is not so difficult. The job of tax preparer is not the same as being an accountant. You can obtain employment as a tax preparer without having to get a license. It would be smarter for you to trust your tax return to someone who is authorized by the IRS. This can help you avoid an audit down the road. Another important feature of your tax preparer is that they have the green light from the IRS to electronically file tax returns. This gets your tax refund check into your hands faster. In order to be authorized to file returns electronically, the IRS runs a criminal background check and takes the preparer's fingerprints. There is an extensive background check into personal tax returns and business records. To select a tax accountant, interview several. Set aside an hour to speak with your potential accountant regarding their business history. You will specifically ask them about their audit record. Ask if they have personally been audited or if their clients have ever been audited. This meeting should be a courtesy; no charge should be incurred. Don't hire someone before you've talked to at least three accountants. Make sure the person you hire is comfortable answering all of your questions and seems confident and competent. Anyone can hold it together during a short interview. The accountant you're interviewing will likely look the part, and can probably talk the talk as well. That doesn't mean they are as good as they seem. Rather than be fooled, resolve to run your own background check on your potential accountant. Start by Googling their name. Are there client reviews posted? Were people satisfied? Check the Better Business Bureau as well. Has anyone filed a complaint? See what you can find out about their past work record and their standard practices with clients. It may seem like spying, but you're better safe than sorry in cases like this. If you were ever to be audited, your tax accountant goes before the IRS with you. Think about who you would want standing next to you if that were to happen. Also think about the confidentiality you entrust to them as well. They will know about all your financial secrets. But always remember that it is your signature on your tax return. If your tax accountant does something that seems shady, do not go along with it. It is you who will be in trouble, no matter who actually prepared the returns for you. Look over every line of your return carefully before you sign.

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Tags: accountancy, Finance, tax, taxes