A great many people have never had their return explained to them. It arrives finished, they sign it, and the only number they remember is the refund or the balance. That is half a service.
What you should be told
- Why the number is what it is. Not just the total — what drove it, and what changed from last year.
- Which positions are settled and which are judgement. Most of a return is mechanical. Some of it involves judgement, and you should know which parts, because you are the one signing.
- What you could have done differently if you had spoken to someone in October rather than March.
- What to do differently next year — withholding, estimates, record-keeping, timing.
- What records to keep and for how long, and in what form.
- What would happen if this return were examined, and which items would draw attention.
Questions worth asking any preparer
- Do you have a PTIN, and what are your credentials?
- Will you sign the return as preparer? (Anyone paid to prepare it is required to.)
- Who actually prepares it — you, or someone else?
- What happens if I get a notice? Will you handle it, and at what cost?
- Can you represent me before the IRS if it goes further? (Not everyone can.)
- How do you charge — by form, by hour, flat?
- Do you offer planning during the year, or only filing season?
Warning signs
- A fee based on a percentage of the refund.
- Refusal to sign the return as preparer.
- Promising a refund amount before seeing your documents.
- Asking you to sign a blank or incomplete return.
- Directing your refund anywhere other than your own account.
- Deductions you cannot explain and were not asked to substantiate.
The one that matters most
You are responsible for what is on your return. Not the preparer — you. That is why understanding it is not a nicety, and why a preparer who will not explain their work is a preparer to leave.
This article is general information, not tax advice, and tax rules change from year to year. Confirm current-year figures and talk with a professional about your specific situation before acting.
Common questions
Does my preparer have to sign my return?
Yes. Anyone paid to prepare a federal return is required to have a PTIN and to sign it as preparer. A preparer who declines to sign is a serious warning sign.
Who is responsible if there is an error on my return?
You are. The preparer may have professional responsibilities and may make good on their own mistake, but the return is yours and you signed it. That is exactly why you should understand what is on it before you do.
Have a question about your situation?
Robert prepares returns for individuals, contractors, and small business owners across Weatherford, Aledo, Willow Park, Springtown, Mineral Wells, and the rest of Parker County. Bring your questions — the first conversation is free.