When filing your taxes, the person who is named on the return is responsible for what's being filed – not the preparer. If your preparer commits fraud, the tax payer is responsible.
For that reason, take care when selecting a person to do your taxes.
Follow these tips from the IRS to select a qualified preparer:
- Avoid preparers who claim they can get you a larger refund than someone else.
- Avoid preparers who base their fee on the percentage of your refund.
- Choose a professional who signs your tax return and gives you a copy for your records.
- Choose a preparer or a firm who will be around potentially years down the road to answer questions about your tax return – especially if you get audited.
- Make sure you review your return before you sign it.
- If you have any questions about your return make sure you ask before you sign your return.
- Never sign a blank tax form.
- Check the preparer's credentials. They should be an attorney, CPA or an enrolled agent. Only people with these credentials can represent taxpayers for audits, collections and appeals.
- Make sure the preparer is educated on the most current tax laws.
- Get a recommendation from a friend. Make sure someone else has used the preparer and had a good experience.