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Step 1
Consult some of the local associations of tax professionals. Taxsites.com has a comprehensive list of professional tax preparer associations. Also visit the website for the American Society of CPAs. They can provide lists of tax preparers in your area.
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Step 2
Verify your preparer's credentials. Although tax preparers do not have to have a license, many of them do have designations, such as Certified Public Accountant, Certified Financial Planner, Enrolled Agent or Accredited Tax Preparer. If they claim to have these designations, check with the issuers of these credentials to see if they are listed.
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Step 3
Avoid any preparer who charges you a percentage of your refund as compensation. Also stay away from preparers who claim that they can get you much bigger refunds than the others. Diligent preparers can find deductions that others may not, but all deductions found by any preparer must be substantiated.
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Step 4
Interview your preparer and find out what kind of approach she takes when preparing your return. Find out how she charges her fees and how soon your return will be finished. Investigate her disciplinary history with the IRS Office of Professional Responsibility for Enrolled Agents or the board of accountancy for CPAs in your state. Your state's oversight agency may have matters on record for preparers that are not CPAs or EAs.
