Choosing a reliable tax preparer matters because you are trusting that person with sensitive financial and personal information. Your preparer may see your income, Social Security numbers, dependent information, business records and other details that require careful handling.
However, convenience should not be the only factor in your decision. A trustworthy tax professional should ask questions, review supporting documents and explain information you do not understand.
Most importantly, taxpayers remain responsible for the information reported on their returns even when someone else prepares them. Therefore, knowing what to look for before hiring a preparer can help you make a more informed choice and recognize serious warning signs.
START WITH VERIFICATION
Make Sure a Paid Tax Preparer Has a PTIN
Anyone who prepares or substantially assists in preparing federal tax returns for compensation generally must have a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number, commonly called a PTIN.
In addition, a paid preparer must sign the federal return and include the preparer’s PTIN on the return filed with the IRS.
Therefore, asking whether a preparer has a current PTIN is a basic verification step. A person who prepares your return for payment but refuses to sign it or include a PTIN is a major warning sign.
However, a PTIN alone does not tell you everything about a preparer’s education, experience or professional credentials. You should still evaluate the person or firm carefully.
FIRST CHECK
Ask about the PTIN.
Paid federal tax return preparers generally must have a valid PTIN.
Additionally, the paid preparer should sign the return rather than asking you to submit a return that appears self-prepared.
QUALIFICATIONS
Understand the Preparer’s Credentials and Experience
Tax return preparers can have different levels of education, credentials and authority to represent taxpayers before the IRS.
Consequently, the right type of preparer can depend on the complexity of your tax situation.
Credentials Are Not All the Same
Attorneys, certified public accountants and enrolled agents have unlimited representation rights before the IRS when they satisfy the applicable requirements. Other preparers can have more limited representation rights or no representation authority.
Therefore, ask what credentials the preparer holds and what those credentials mean for your situation.
Experience Should Match Your Return
A taxpayer with W-2 wages and a straightforward return may have different needs from someone who owns a business, has rental property or receives income from multiple sources.
For example, a business owner may want to ask about the preparer’s experience with Schedule C, business deductions, estimated taxes and bookkeeping records.
Use IRS Resources When Appropriate
The IRS provides a searchable directory of federal tax return preparers who hold certain professional credentials or selected qualifications. However, not every legitimate PTIN holder appears in that directory.
ASK QUESTIONS
Ask These Questions Before You Hand Over Your Tax Documents
A short conversation before hiring a preparer can tell you a great deal about how the person or firm works. In particular, pay attention to whether the answers are clear and whether the preparer is willing to explain the process.
Ask About the Preparation Process
First, ask what documents you should provide and how the preparer reviews your information. A reliable preparer should be interested in the records needed to prepare an accurate return.
Next, ask whether the preparer will electronically file eligible returns. You can also ask how you will receive a copy of the completed return for your records.
Finally, find out who will actually prepare and review your return. This question can be especially useful when you work with a larger tax preparation firm.
Ask What Happens After Filing
Choose a preparer who expects to remain available after filing season. After all, questions can arise months after a return is submitted.
In addition, ask what happens if you receive an IRS or state tax notice related to the return. Some firms provide assistance with notices, while others treat that work as a separate service.
Most importantly, understand the scope of the service before filing rather than discovering the limitations after a problem appears.
A GOOD SIGN
A Careful Preparer Should Ask for Records and Ask Questions
Be cautious if someone wants to prepare your return without reviewing the documents that support your income, expenses, deductions or credits.
For example, a preparer may need Forms W-2 and 1099, dependent information, business records, education documents or other records depending on your circumstances.
Likewise, the preparer may need to ask questions when information is incomplete or when eligibility for a tax benefit is unclear.
These questions are not an inconvenience. Instead, they are part of preparing a return based on your actual tax situation rather than assumptions.
Therefore, promises of a large refund before a preparer has reviewed your records should be treated cautiously.
WHAT TO EXPECT
A Careful Tax Interview
✓ Questions about your income
✓ Review of tax documents
✓ Questions about dependents
✓ Review of eligible expenses
✓ Discussion of major tax changes
✓ Explanation when information is unclear
In short, tax preparation should involve more than entering numbers from a few forms.
RED FLAGS
Watch for Signs of an Unsafe Tax Preparer
The IRS regularly warns taxpayers about dishonest and so-called ghost tax return preparers.
Fortunately, several warning signs can help you recognize a potentially serious problem before your return is filed.
They Refuse to Sign the Return
A ghost preparer may prepare a return for payment but refuse to sign it or include a PTIN. Therefore, do not ignore a missing paid-preparer signature as a minor detail.
They Promise an Unusually Large Refund
No preparer can responsibly determine your final refund before reviewing the relevant tax information. Be cautious when someone advertises a guaranteed refund or claims they can automatically obtain a larger refund than other preparers.
Their Fee Depends on Your Refund
The IRS advises taxpayers to avoid preparers who calculate their preparation fee as a percentage of the refund. Instead, ask how fees are determined before agreeing to the service.
They Want Your Refund Sent to Their Account
Your refund should not be directed into the tax preparer’s personal financial account. Consequently, verify the routing and account information on your completed return before it is submitted.
NEVER SIGN BLANK
Never Sign a Blank or Incomplete Tax Return
A trustworthy tax preparation process gives you an opportunity to review the completed return before filing. Therefore, never sign a blank tax form or authorize an incomplete return simply because someone promises to finish it later.
Review the Return Before Filing
Look at the income, filing status, dependents, deductions, credits and refund or balance due. In addition, ask questions when something appears different from what you expected.
Do not assume a surprising number must be correct simply because tax software produced it. Instead, ask the preparer to explain important items you do not understand.
Ultimately, you should feel comfortable that the return reflects the information you provided.
Verify Your Refund Information
If you choose direct deposit, carefully check the bank routing and account numbers shown on the return.
Additionally, confirm that the account belongs to you or is otherwise an appropriate account for your refund under the applicable rules. Your refund should not simply be routed to the preparer’s account.
Finally, obtain and retain a copy of your completed tax return after filing.
YOUR INFORMATION
Ask How Your Tax Information Is Handled
Tax documents contain information that identity thieves can misuse, including Social Security numbers, income details and bank information.
For that reason, security should be part of your decision when selecting a tax preparation firm.
Ask How Documents Are Shared
Find out how the firm accepts electronic tax documents. For example, if sensitive documents are transmitted electronically, ask what secure method the firm provides for clients.
Protect Sensitive Information
Avoid sending Social Security numbers and complete tax documents through questionable channels simply because they are convenient. Instead, use the document-delivery process provided by a trusted firm.
Be Alert for Impersonation
Tax professionals and taxpayers can both be targets of phishing and identity-theft attempts. Consequently, verify unusual requests for sensitive information before responding.
AFTER TAX SEASON
Choose Someone You Can Contact After the Return Is Filed
Tax preparation does not always end when the return is electronically accepted. Months later, you may need a copy of the return or have questions about how an item was reported.
Additionally, the IRS or a state tax agency could send correspondence related to the return. Having access to the person or firm that prepared it can make it easier to understand what was originally reported.
Therefore, ask whether the preparer operates throughout the year or how clients receive assistance after filing season.
Availability is especially important for business owners. For instance, bookkeeping, payroll, estimated taxes and business changes can create questions throughout the year rather than only at tax time.
Learn more about our tax and accounting services if you need ongoing assistance beyond preparing an annual return.
BEFORE YOU CHOOSE
Tax Preparer Checklist
✓ Ask about a current PTIN
✓ Understand credentials
✓ Discuss relevant experience
✓ Ask about fees
✓ Confirm e-file availability
✓ Ask about post-filing support
✓ Review document security
✓ Never sign a blank return
Most importantly, choose a preparer who is willing to answer your questions before you file.
VERIFY INFORMATION
Use Independent Sources When Checking a Preparer
You do not have to rely only on a preparer’s advertising when researching qualifications.
Instead, independent resources can help you understand credentials and investigate a professional’s background.
IRS Directory
The IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications can help taxpayers search for professionals with certain credentials or qualifications.
However, absence from the directory does not automatically mean a paid preparer lacks a valid PTIN. The IRS notes that not every valid paid preparer appears in the directory.
Credential Verification
Depending on the credential, additional verification may be available through the IRS, a state board of accountancy or a state bar association.
Therefore, when a particular professional credential matters to your decision, verify it through the appropriate source.
IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG
Tax Preparer Misconduct Can Be Reported
The IRS provides procedures for taxpayers to report certain misconduct by federal tax return preparers. Therefore, taxpayers who believe a preparer acted improperly have official resources available.
Form 14157
Form 14157, Complaint: Tax Return Preparer, can be used to report certain tax return preparer misconduct to the IRS.
For example, the IRS provides complaint procedures for taxpayers affected by improper federal tax preparation practices.
Because the appropriate procedure depends on what happened, review the current IRS instructions before submitting a complaint.
Form 14157-A
Different procedures can apply when an individual taxpayer alleges that a preparer filed or changed a Form 1040-series return without authorization, altered tax data or misdirected a refund.
In those situations, Form 14157-A may be part of the process for requesting IRS account changes, depending on the circumstances.
For that reason, follow the IRS instructions carefully and provide the required supporting documentation.
COMMON QUESTIONS
FAQ About Choosing a Tax Preparer
These questions can help you evaluate a tax professional before trusting someone with your return and financial information.
Anyone who prepares or substantially assists in preparing federal tax returns for compensation generally must have a valid PTIN. In addition, a paid preparer must sign the federal return and include the PTIN on the return filed with the IRS.
No. A PTIN is not the same as a professional credential. Tax preparers can have different credentials, education and representation rights. Therefore, ask about both the PTIN and the preparer’s specific qualifications.
A ghost preparer is someone who prepares a return but refuses to sign it or include the required PTIN. The IRS warns taxpayers to avoid these preparers. Consequently, check the paid-preparer section of your return before filing.
No preparer can responsibly know the final result without reviewing the relevant tax information. Therefore, be cautious about unusually large refund promises, especially when the person has not yet reviewed your income, withholding, dependents, deductions and credits.
No. Review the completed return and ask questions about anything you do not understand. In addition, never sign a blank or incomplete tax return. Remember that you remain responsible for the information reported on your return.
The appropriate method depends on the credential. For example, the IRS provides a directory containing preparers with certain credentials and qualifications. CPA licensing can be checked through the appropriate state board of accountancy, while attorney licensing can be checked through the relevant state bar.
Looking for Tax Preparation Help in Oxnard?
Choosing a reliable tax preparer means looking for someone who reviews your information carefully, answers your questions and prepares the return based on the documents and facts you provide.
ASB Tax & Accounting provides tax preparation and accounting services for individuals, families and businesses in Oxnard and surrounding Ventura County communities.
In addition, assistance is available in English and Spanish. Contact our office to discuss your tax preparation needs and learn more about our process.
Last reviewed: October 2026. IRS requirements, professional qualifications and tax preparation procedures can change. Therefore, verify current requirements when choosing a tax professional. This article provides general information and does not replace individualized tax advice.
