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Home / Tax Preparer

Tax preparers and tax return help

Find a tax preparer you can trust with your return

A good tax preparer gets your return right, claims everything you are entitled to and stands behind their work. A bad one can cost you refunds, penalties or worse. Here is how to tell the difference and find the right one near you.

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Types of tax preparer in the USA

  • CPAs (certified public accountants): licensed by a state board, can prepare any return and represent you before the IRS on any matter
  • Enrolled agents (EAs): licensed by the IRS itself, specialize in tax and can also represent you on any tax matter. See What does an enrolled agent do?
  • Tax attorneys: best for legal disputes, criminal tax issues and complex planning
  • Other paid preparers: must have a PTIN (Preparer Tax Identification Number). Their right to represent you before the IRS is limited

In the UK

There is no single license for tax return preparers in the UK, so check professional membership. Chartered tax advisers (CIOT), ATT members and accountants regulated by ICAEW, ACCA or AAT are bound by professional standards and must hold insurance. See our Self Assessment accountant guide.

Red flags to avoid

  • They base their fee on the size of your refund
  • They will not sign the return or include their PTIN (a "ghost preparer")
  • They ask you to sign a blank or incomplete return
  • They want your refund paid into their own bank account
  • They promise a bigger refund than other preparers before seeing your documents
  • They have no professional body membership or credential you can check

What to bring

  • Last year's return, and identification for you and any dependents
  • Income forms: W-2s, 1099s, K-1s, or P60, P11D and pension statements in the UK
  • Records of business or rental income and expenses
  • Mortgage interest, property tax, charitable donations, education and childcare costs
  • Retirement contributions and health savings account forms
  • Any letters from the IRS, your state or HMRC

Fees and deadlines

Many preparers charge a fixed fee per return, with extra charges for schedules such as business, rental or investment income, and for state returns. Ask for the full price before they start.

In the USA, the filing deadline for most individuals is April 15. An extension (Form 4868) gives you until October 15 to file, but not to pay: tax owed is still due in April. In the UK, the online Self Assessment deadline is 31 January.

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Common questions

It depends on the complexity of your return. A simple return with W-2 income costs much less than one with a business, rental properties or investments. Most preparers charge a fixed fee per form or schedule. Always ask for a quote first.
Anyone paid to prepare US federal returns needs a PTIN, but a CPA also holds a state license, has passed demanding exams and can represent you before the IRS on any matter. An enrolled agent has similar representation rights and specializes in tax.
Ask for their PTIN and credentials, check a CPA license with the state board of accountancy, or check an enrolled agent or credentialed preparer in the IRS directory of federal tax return preparers. In the UK, check membership of their professional body.
You remain legally responsible for your return, even if someone else prepares it. Many reputable preparers will pay penalties caused by their own errors, so ask about their policy before you hire them.
Yes. Many preparers file an extension for you in the spring and complete the return later in the year. Remember that an extension to file is not an extension to pay any tax you owe.

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