How to Choose the Right Las Vegas Tax Preparer

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Whether you’re a small business owner or head of a business empire, you’ll need to know how to choose the right tax preparer when tax is due. You’ll want to entrust your finances with a reliable professional Las Vegas tax preparer so you can minimize your tax liability and optimize your revenue. And we’ll help you make the right choice.

Know Your Tax Professional

The field of finance professionals is a complicated one, but you must know what kind of certified tax preparer you need. Choosing the right kind of tax preparer will make sure you get the best help possible based on your needs. Here are your options.

A PTIN Holder

Preparer Tax Identification Number or PTIN Holders are the lowest tax accreditation professionals in the field. They are non-credential preparers that can file taxes but won’t be able to help you later on in the process or if there’s an issue with the IRS.

IRS Annual Filing Season Program Participant 

They are the level up from PTIN holders. IRS Annual Filing Season Program Participants are also non-credentialed preparers but they enroll in continued education each year. They have a specific rule of conduct they must adhere to (PDF) and can offer you limited help in front of the IRS.

CPAs, EAs, and Tax Attorneys

Certified Public Accountants, Enrolled Agents, and Tax Attorneys are the highest credentialed professionals. They offer a wide range of financial help including financial planning, tax reduction tips, and business finance tips, and can represent you in front of the IRS if something goes wrong.

Know Your Needs

Another thing you must figure out is your tax and financial needs. This will also help you choose the kind of tax professional that’s best for you. Know what you want to get out of the venture. Do you want a one-time tax preparation or a continuous relationship with a certified tax and finance professional that will help you in more ways?

Ask For Referrals 

Once you figure out exactly what can of help you need, it will be a lot easier for you. That’s when you should ask people you know for referrals. If you don’t have any acquaintances with recommendations, turn to the Internet and check out what people there say about tax professionals in your area. Single out the ones that look best for you.

Confirm Their Credentials

When you have the finalist, you should if they have a tax preparer license. Even the non-credential preparers like PTIN holders and IRS Annual Filing Season Program Participants should hold a PTIN number. You can check if a CPA is licensed by contacting the State Board of Accountancy where they got their license or simply visit the CPA verify’s website.

Know and Compare Their Fees

By now, you should have several licensed tax professionals to choose from. Contact each one and ask about their fees. Make sure to ask if they charge hourly or by the task and what’s included in the prices. Either method is OK, just make sure you are aware of the charging system so there are no unpleasant surprises later on.

Do the Beer Test

If you end up with a couple of great options and still can’t decide, call them for the interview. Do a beer test – have a beer with them and see which one you like best. You need a professional and reliable expert but you also need a person you get along with well as you will communicate with them a lot, especially if you are looking for long-term assistance.