Page 10 How To Guide • Thursday, March 12, 2026 pressnews. com
How to...
How to Choose a
TAX PROFESSIONAL
Working with a qualified tax professional can bring peace of mind when tax season arrives. A good preparer can help you understand rules that change from year to year, reduce errors that can slow processing and point out deductions or credits you might miss on your own. For many households, it also means having someone to call when a letter arrives or a question comes up later. Choosing the right tax professional takes care because you will share personal financial details and rely on their judgment. A smart approach is to look for clear credentials, straightforward communication and a process that makes you feel comfortable before you hand over documents.
Credentials and Fit
Tax professionals come in different forms, including certified public accountants who focus on taxation and Enrolled Agents who are licensed at the federal level to represent taxpayers. Some attorneys also handle tax matters, especially when there are legal questions involved. The title matters because it can signal training, licensing and the ability to represent you in certain situations. Ask what kind of returns they typically prepare and how long they have been doing that work. A preparer who mainly handles simple wage income returns may not be the best match for someone with self-employment income, multiple states or significant itemized deductions. Matching your situation to their experience helps prevent missed details and last-minute surprises. It is also reasonable to ask about continuing education and how they stay current. Tax law changes, forms change and common deductions may shift. A professional who routinely keeps up with updates is better positioned to explain what is different this year and what documents you should save going forward.
Verification and Trust
Before you share sensitive information, take time to confirm credentials through appropriate authorities. For example, you can check with your state’ s board of accountancy for CPAs or other licensing bodies for attorneys. You can also look for complaints or patterns by checking consumer resources such as the Better Business Bureau. Trust is also about how they handle your questions. Notice whether they explain concepts in plain language, outline what they need from you and describe what they will deliver at the end. You should know who will actually prepare the return, how the review works and how you will approve the final version before it is filed. Discuss how your documents will be handled and stored. Even a basic conversation about how you submit
forms, how long they keep records and who has access can help you feel more confident about privacy and organization.
Audit Readiness and Fees
One practical benefit of hiring a tax professional is support if problems arise later. Ask whether they can represent you if the IRS questions the return and what that representation looks like. Some preparers will help respond to notices, while others can also represent you in an audit. Knowing this in advance matters because an audit response often requires quick, organized documentation. Fees should be transparent and tied to the complexity of the return. A reputable professional will explain what is included, what might cost extra and when payment is due. Be cautious of anyone who guarantees a specific refund before reviewing your information. Refund amounts depend on your income, withholding and eligibility for deductions or credits, and no one can responsibly promise an outcome early. Finally, watch for red flags such as pressure to sign a blank form or a preparer who will not sign the return.“ Ghost” preparation can leave you without clear accountability if errors appear later. The right professional will stand behind their work, walk you through key choices and help you file with confidence.