Now that you’ve filed your tax return, it’s tempting to breathe a sigh of relief before blocking out all thoughts of April 15, 2015. After all, you haven’t been audited yet, and you’ve always managed to get everything submitted before the deadline—even if only by a few days. Sadly, this cavalier attitude towards individual income taxes has cost many thousands of dollars in penalties and untold stress from audits by the IRS. Let’s face it, hiring a tax professional in Bellingham, MA is far less risky.

For someone who has a relatively uncomplicated tax situation, online tax software or commercial tax preparers are a safe bet. There is always a possibility, however, that you will be audited. If so, your tax preparer cannot legally represent you without the designation of an enrolled agent. A more complex tax situation, or filing a tax return for a business, warrants hiring a certified public accountant or accredited tax adviser. So how do you choose the person or company who will guide you safely through the process?

Step One: Ask for Recommendations

Approach your coworkers, friends, and family to ask for a referral—preferably someone whose tax situation is similar to your own. If you do not have local contacts, you can contact the Massachusetts state CPA society, or you can check the website of the Accreditation Council for help finding a tax preparer. If you choose to hire an enrolled agent, you will find a search feature on the National Association of Enrolled Agents website. Narrow your choices down to three or four candidates, then arrange a phone call or office visit.

Step Two: Meet and Greet

An interview needn’t take all day, and usually you need only 20-30 minutes to determine whether a candidate is a good match. Ann Irons, a CPA in Bellingham, MA, cautions that this step is best completed outside of tax season. Otherwise, you may find it difficult to secure an appointment. By the way, says Irons, you shouldn’t have to pay for an interview. Ask the following questions:

• How many years of experience do you have preparing tax returns?
• Do you have any licenses or credentials, and are you free of disciplinary actions?
• What are you specialties, if any?

Specialties include preparing tax returns for individuals versus businesses, or for certain types of taxpayers,such as foreign investors or real estate law offices.

Step Three: Know the Warning Signs

You obviously want to partner with someone who can reduce your taxes and maximize your returns, but only if they can do so ethically. If you speak with someone who boasts that they can “fudge the numbers” or omit key information, politely excuse yourself. Nothing is worse landing yourself in jail in an unethical attempt to cheat the government, or anyone else, for that matter. If a preparer assesses fees based on the value of your return, proceed with caution. This creates a temptation to bend the rules in order to secure a higher compensation.

Start early, do it right. For questions about tax preparation in Bellingham, MA, or to schedule a meeting with Ann Irons, CPA, LLC, contact our office at 508-966-0700. We provide accounting, bookkeeping, and tax services for individuals and businesses in and around Bellingham, Woonsocket, Boston, Franklin, Milford, and the surrounding areas.