How to Choose the Right Tax Professional: A Guide for US Small Business Owners

Recognizing red flags can help you avoid falling victim to fraud. For instance, “ghost” preparers are a significant concern. These are individuals who won’t sign the tax return as the paid preparer and may ask you to sign and file the return yourself. This is a huge red flag and may signal fraudulent activity. Always ensure your tax preparer signs the return and includes their Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN).

Other red flags include tax preparers who promise large refunds or charge fees based on the refund amount.

Tax preparers are required by law to have a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) if they’re paid to prepare federal tax returns. Make sure that your tax preparer has a valid PTIN. This ensures that the person you’re working with is legitimate and has met the necessary IRS requirements.

Tax-related questions can arise at any time, not just during tax season. It's important to work with a tax preparer who is available year-round for questions or follow-up concerns. This will help ensure that any issues related to your tax return can be addressed promptly.

At Kelly+Partners, we don’t just disappear after tax season. Our team is available year-round to assist with tax planning, audits, and ongoing business advisory services.

Avoid tax preparers who base their fees on a percentage of your refund or ask to deposit your refund into their own bank account. Trustworthy professionals will discuss their fees upfront, and they should be based on the complexity of your tax return, not the refund amount. Make sure you’re comfortable with the fees before agreeing to their services.

Kelly+Partners believes in full transparency. We outline our fees clearly and work with you to ensure our services provide value to your business.

Filing electronically with an IRS-authorized e-file provider can streamline the tax filing process and help ensure faster refunds, typically within 21 days. Many IRS-approved e-file providers offer small business owners efficient and secure ways to submit their tax returns.

Our office is an IRS-authorized e-file provider, ensuring that your tax return is processed quickly and securely.

A reputable tax professional will request all the necessary documentation, including receipts, income details, and relevant tax credits. Ensure you provide complete records for accurate filing. Never let a preparer file a return using a pay stub instead of your Form W-2, as this violates IRS e-file rules.

At Kelly+Partners, we take accuracy seriously. We guide our clients through the documentation process, ensuring compliance while identifying potential tax-saving opportunities.

As a taxpayer, you are ultimately responsible for the accuracy of your tax return, even if someone else prepares it. Never sign a blank or incomplete return. Review your tax return carefully before signing it and ask questions if something doesn’t make sense or looks inaccurate. Make sure that your refund is directed to your account and not to the preparer’s.

Before hiring a tax preparer, check their history and reputation with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB can provide insight into whether the preparer has had any disciplinary actions or complaints. For additional peace of mind, verify the preparer’s license status and certification through relevant state boards.