Shopping for a Tax Doctor

King Tax & Accounting advises you to ask these important questions when considering a tax preparer for your tax needs

(PRWEB) February 5, 2003 - February 4, 2003 - As you begin to receive your W-2s and 1099s, its a good time to consider choosing a tax professional to handle your returns and other tax needs. Remember, just like doctors, not all tax preparers are created equal so when shopping around, King Tax & Accounting advises you to ask these important questions:

1. What kind of training does the tax preparer have?
Enrolled Agents (EAs), Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), attorneys, commercial store front firms, and seasonal tax preparers are the popular choices for tax preparation. Only EAs, CPAs, and attorneys can represent a taxpayer before the IRS if necessary. EAs, who specialize in taxation, are the only group that obtains their authority to practice directly from the U.S. government.

2. What are your needs?
Do you have a complex return that requires special attention? Havent filed in a while? Enrolled Agents can appear in place of a taxpayer before the IRS if necessary. Enrolled Agents prepare millions of tax returns each year. They can prepare returns for individuals, partnerships, corporations, estates and trusts, or any entity with tax-reporting requirements.

3. Does the tax preparer complete continuing professional education?
Members of the National Association of Enrolled Agents are required to complete 30 hours of continuing professional education each year in order to maintain membership. This surpasses the IRS requirement of 24 hours per year. This continuing education ensures that EAs keep abreast of changing tax laws and regulations. In addition, many EAs can offer help in other areas, such as IRS representation, financial planning, estate and trust services, small business advising, and more.

4. Does the tax preparer have any special credentials or designations?
Enrolled Agents carry a federal designation that allows them to represent taxpayers before all administrative levels of the IRS for audits, collections, and appeals. They are subject to vigorous background checks before they receive their Enrolled Agent credential.

5. Is the tax preparer bound by any ethical standards?
Enrolled Agents are required to abide by U.S. Treasury Department Circular 230. EAs found to be in violation of the provisions contained in it may be suspended or disbarred. Enrolled Agents are an excellent resource for anyone seeking up-to-date information on tax related issues.

Call NAEAs toll-free referral line at 1-800-424-4339 or log onto NAEAs Web site at www.naea.org to find a qualified Enrolled Agent in your area who can assist you with tax planning, preparing tax returns, or resolving a problem with the IRS.

About King Tax & Accounting
King Tax & Accounting is operated by Sherrie A. King, an Enrolled Agent. The practice represents clients in all types of businesses, as well as individuals, in the areas of taxation and accounting. They provide tax preparation, tax advice, and tax planning services in addition to helping taxpayers resolve problems with the IRS. For more information, contact (919) 676-2114 or www.KingTaxAccounting.com.

King Tax & Accounting is a member of GMG Alliance -- a strategic alliance with Development Strategies (www.RequestDS.com) that offers expert professional services in business strategy, tax accounting, and human resources.