Many tax prep firms have a range of tax prep professionals on staff, and can handle returns ranging from very simple to complex. Others have more limited services and staff. If your returns are simple, a tax prep firm that focuses on obtaining the largest credits and deductions and e-filing your returns with the IRS and/or your state can be relatively inexpensive. On the other hand, taxpayers with complex returns or who are facing audits or other challenges from the IRS should insist upon – and be prepared to pay for – a tax prep firm with CPAs and tax attorneys on staff, along with professional filing related services.
Compare Tax Preparation Firms
The tax prep process can be challenging and intimidating. It's easy to make expensive mistakes. Hiring tax prep professionals can provide substantial savings in time and hassle, not to mention money. However, tax prep services can also help taxpayers who file their own returns with software and online services that make the process more efficient. Ultimately, the tax prep services that are best for you depend on your financial circumstances – and your budget.
Available Tax Preparation Services
List of services
- Audit Support – varies from help with responses to the IRS to audit representation
- Automatic Error Detection – detects common math and preparation errors
- e-File Included
- State Tax Returns Included
- Tax Deduction Finder
- Tax Prep Services
Tax Professional Qualifications and Available Services
If you have someone else prepare your return, there are a range of professionals at your disposal. At minimum, all paid tax return preparers must have Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) issued by the IRS. You should also determine whether the tax prep firm you choose is properly registered with your state’s department of revenue, as well as being bonded.
It’s a plus for tax prep professionals to be registered with a professional organization like the National Society of Accountants (NSA) or hold accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation (ACAT). Depending on your circumstances, you may want a tax prep professional who is an actual certified public accountant, a tax attorney or an enrolled agent qualified to represent taxpayers before the IRS.
- Accredited Business Accountant (ABA) – ACAT accredited accountants
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Enrolled Agent (EA) – can represent taxpayers before the IRS
- Accredited Tax Advisor (ATA) – ACAT accredited preparers with at 5+ years experience
- Accredited Tax Preparer (ATP) – ACAT accredited preparers
For Tax Preparation Offices, Software And Online Filing
Are you looking for reviews of your local Tax office? Curious to see what others think of our online filing options or the latest version of tax software? If so, we're here to help. Check out reviews of software, offices and online tax filing options written by people just like you.
For it to be my first time doing my own taxes .The tax professional was very helpful and got back to me in a timely matter with any concerns or questions I may have had.
Easy walk-through and I like the idea of being able to select what you want to file. Well worth it if you're willing to spend the time to maximum your deductions.
Always easy and stress free especially for a mom who is always on the go. It literally took me 10 minutes to file!
It was very simple. Very pleasing, easy to read questions. Will use them again in the future.
The free tax help makes doing yearly taxes a breeze! I love this program!
I appreciate the simplicity and support block gives along with accuracy reassurances to secure and submit files.
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