Unlike most services in this vein, there is no one way to determine if a business tax preparer is the right one for you and your business in particular. There are many different aspects that play into it, and other extenuating circumstances that some may be equipped for, but others may not be. Thus, when choosing a potential business tax preparer, there are some important questions you need to ask them. So, if you are looking for a tax preparer to handle business tax returns in Yonkers NY, here are the main questions to ask them before deciding on which one you want to hire.
#1. Do you have a PTIN?
A PTIN (or Preparer Tax Identification Number) should be the absolute first thing verified when you go to meet with the potential preparer. This number marks them as worthy of preparing federal taxes, and capable of doing the job correctly. Not having this number and trying to do the job anyway is considered a crime. Always make sure that the person you’re going to meet with has all of their qualifications in order.
#2. What is your tax background?
When going to meet a professional business tax preparer, you may notice a bunch of strange letters next to their names, either on their plaque, or on their business card. These names can actually raise or lower their qualifications for you, depending on what they are, and what you will need of your tax preparer. Ask the tax preparer you’re meeting with what the letters beside his name mean, and how it relates to his job and what you’ll be needing of his services.
#3. Have you prepared a business tax return before?
This should also be one of your first questions, regardless of what type of tax return you need made. Be incredibly specific about the type of tax returns you will need from your tax preparer, because not every tax preparer is experienced in the same type of taxes. Each tax for is different depending on the person they’re being handed to, and their financial standing in life. Getting a yes to this question should be a deciding factor in whether or not you hire this person.
There are many questions that play into whether or not you hire someone as your business tax preparer. But the above 3 are the most important. Taxes are something you cannot afford to screw up on, especially if you own a business. Make sure you know the experience and qualifications of the person you’re hiring to prepare your taxes.
