Here’s what HIVE AI had to say about “How do I choose a reputable tax preparer?”:

How to choose a reputable tax preparer

Know what you need from the preparer

• Decide whether you need basic return prep or year‑round advisory, audit representation, or business entity expertise. Only attorneys, CPAs, and enrolled agents (EAs) have unlimited rights to represent you before the IRS in audits, collections, and appeals; others generally have limited practice rights tied to returns they prepared and signed or specific programs like the Annual Filing Season Program .
• Paid preparers are required to sign the return and include their PTIN; they are primarily responsible for the return’s substantive accuracy, but you are ultimately responsible for what’s filed in your name. Always review before signing .

Verify credentials and standing

• Use the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers to find professionals with credentials (CPA, EA, attorney) or select qualifications; verify an EA’s status on IRS.gov; for CPAs and attorneys, check your state board of accountancy or state bar discipline records; check the Better Business Bureau for complaint history .
• Confirm the preparer has an active PTIN, which all paid preparers must have and must include on your return .

Look for professional standards and best practices

• Quality preparers follow Circular 230 best practices: they clarify scope, establish and evaluate facts, apply law to facts, and advise you on implications (including penalty protection when relying on advice) .
• They exercise due diligence for accuracy and make reasonable inquiries when information appears incomplete or inconsistent; good preparers ask for your records and ask follow‑up questions .

Red flags to avoid

• Avoid anyone who bases fees on a percentage of your refund, promises bigger refunds than others, offers to deposit your refund in their account, or asks you to sign a blank return .
• Be cautious of untrustworthy “ghost preparers” who refuse to sign or provide a PTIN; a reputable preparer signs, includes a PTIN, and gives you a copy .
• Remember, preparers are prohibited from negotiating your refund check; anyone attempting to do so can be penalized under IRC §6695(f) .

Practical due diligence you can do

• Confirm year‑round availability, especially if you may face IRS notices or need planning help after filing season .
• Ask about fees up front and how they’re calculated; avoid percentage‑of‑refund pricing; confirm they are an authorized IRS e‑file provider .
• Ask how they protect and use your tax data; reputable firms follow IRS privacy rules that restrict using return information beyond tax prep except in narrow circumstances and with proper safeguards .
• If cost is a concern and you qualify, consider IRS‑certified VITA/TCE sites for free, quality‑reviewed preparation by trained volunteers .

What good engagement looks like

• The preparer explains what they need, requests your records, and documents positions with a reasonable basis; they won’t ignore contradictory information and will disclose when needed .
• They sign the return, include their PTIN, provide you a copy, and retain their required files for three years as the law requires for preparers .
• If issues arise later, credentialed practitioners can represent you before the IRS; others have limited rights tied to returns they prepared and signed .

Legal protection when you rely on competent advice

• Courts and the IRS recognize a reasonable‑cause exception to some penalties when you choose a competent advisor, provide accurate and complete information, and actually rely in good faith on their judgment; this doctrine underscores the value of selecting a qualified preparer and engaging transparently .

Quick checklist before you hire

• Verify credential or qualification in the IRS Directory; check state boards and BBB for history .
• Confirm active PTIN and that they will sign and e‑file your return .
• Discuss scope, fees, turnaround, and year‑round availability .
• Ask about their due‑diligence process and data protection practices .
• Avoid refund‑percentage fees, blank signatures, or promises of “biggest refunds” .

If you share whether you’re an individual, self‑employed, or have entities (partnership/S‑corp), I can suggest the right credential level and a short list of questions tailored to your situation.

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