Johnson, Agen, Kupferschmidt & Associates

Tax Tips

November 2008

Tips for Choosing a Tax Preparer

If you pay someone to prepare your tax return, choose that preparer wisely.
Taxpayers are legally responsible for what's on their own tax returns even
if prepared by someone else. So, it is important to choose carefuly when
hiring an individual or firm to prepare personal or business returns. Most
return preparers are professional, honest and provide excellent service to
their clients. A paid preparer is required by law to sign the return and fill
in the preparer areas of the form. The preparer should also include their
appropriate identifying number on the return. Although the preparer
signs the return, you are responsible for the accuracy of every item on your
return.

It is important for taxpayers to find qualified tax professionals. Unqualified
tax preparers may overlook legitimate deductions or credits that could
cause clients to pay more tax than they should. Unqualified preparers
may also make costly mistakes causing their clients to incur assessed
deficiencies, penalties and interest. Remember, no matter who prepares a
tax return, the taxpayer is legally responsible for all of the information on
that tax return.