12/20/2025
Before filing your taxes, I strongly suggest following this simple guideline. This will save you time and most of the problems many have faced in previous years.
- Ensure your tax preparer has a PTIN number, which should be located on your tax return.
- Know your total fee before submitting your return.
- Make sure you receive your paperwork. Regardless of how much you trust your tax preparer, obtain a copy for your records.
- If you are doing an estimate, you don’t have to send any information other than your W-2 form and if you have dependents be sure to send their age(s).
- If anyone tells you to file your last check stub, it’s a red flag.
- Pay attention to what people say about the company you’re filing with, past or present. Take notes; it will save you.
- Lastly, if you are getting a cash advance loan, it’s your money, and there’s no need to pay your tax preparer any money back. You are already being charged.