There are plenty of legal ways to reduce the amount of tax you have to pay, and tax relief professionals can help you identify the credits for which you qualify. When considering a tax relief professional, however, look for these four important traits.
Qualified and Certified
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All tax professionals should be well-qualified and have a certification that demonstrates their knowledge in specific areas of taxation. You might also wish to find a tax relief professional who is a member of a relevant professional body such as the National Association of Tax Professionals or the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. These bodies have professional codes of conduct that members are expected to adhere to, and they offer certification programs to professionals to enhance their knowledge in various areas of taxation.
A Proven Track Record
If a tax relief professional publishes details about the number of clients they have helped, you should be able to get a rounded picture of their success rate. If you are paying someone to help you prepare your taxes, that professional should have a Preparer Tax Identification Number. This number confirms they are known to the IRS and can help you learn more about their work.
Check for reviews to see how previous clients feel about a professional’s services. Getting objective insight about a tax relief expert’s professionalism can help you assess his or her effectiveness. You want to know that this individual can explain the tax relief process thoroughly and can help you understand your options and how you qualify for them.
A Broad Knowledge of Tax Relief Options
A number of programs can provide tax relief to individuals who qualify. Individuals who are already in debt to the IRS could qualify for the Fresh Start Program, which is designed to help people avoid penalties, interest payments, and tax liens and to set up a payment plan to clear their debt within six years. The IRS provides federal tax credits to those in middle- and low-income households to help them retain as much of their income as possible.
A tax relief professional can help you claim credits against the cost of higher education, child care, retirement savings plans, and continuing education.
Understands Your Situation
With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to find a great tax relief professional. You want someone with a thorough understanding of all the types of tax relief and who can give you guidance about the programs for which you qualify. Many professionals in this field have websites that list the areas in which they specialize. Personal recommendations can also help you find a well-qualified tax relief professional for your situation.
Expert advice can make the process of filing your tax return quicker and easier and can ensure you are making the most of the savings available. When you have a tax professional to guide you, you don’t have to worry about missing out on any of the credits to which you might be entitled.
