Hiring a tax expert is important to your trucking company. The last thing any trucker wants to think about is filing their taxes or wondering if they have found a good tax preparer. It’s smart to conduct this search as early as possible. The closer tax day, the harder it is to find a quality tax preparer. The following are various things to consider when choosing a tax preparer:
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Credentials & Ethics
If you own a trucking business, you should hire a tax preparer who can handle complex tax issues and understands trucking taxes. Searching for a that employs Enrolled Agents (EA) and Certified Public Accountants (CPA). This is very beneficial in the event of an audit or collection proceedings.
EAs and CPAs pass rigorous tests and regularly complete a required number of education hours to maintain certification.
PTINS & E-Filing
A paid preparer must have a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). If they prepare and file more than ten returns for clients, they must file electronically. The client copy of the tax return should show the preparer’s name and PTIN in the signature area of page two of Form 1040. Never agree to do business with a tax preparer who does not provide this information or refuses to provide clients with copies of their tax returns.
Signing Your Tax Return
It is easy to make mistakes at the height of a busy tax season. To ensure accuracy, tax firms will use a double-check process prepared by tax accountants. An experienced senior tax accountant will discuss the tax return results with their client to make sure the client is comfortable with the numbers.
Records & Documentation
Good tax preparers will ask for all your W-2, 1099, and 1098 forms and other records and receipts to verify income, expenses, and credits. Preparers willing to e-file returns using paystubs in place of W-2s directly violate IRS rules and regulations.
Availability
Because the IRS and most States conduct audits and send letters of inquiry throughout the year, it is best to work with a preparer who maintains office hours beyond the April 15th filing deadline.
Instead of asking a preparer what their fees are, ask how they determine their prices. For taxpayers with more complex returns requiring several forms, it usually is better to select a firm that charges a set fee for the type of return (1040, 1065, 1120S, 1120) rather than one that charges form. The reason is that this can be rather costly.
Your Security
Unfortunately, the tax preparer industry has not remained immune from the ever-increasing problem of security breaches. Never hesitate to ask a preparer how they safeguard client confidentiality in the form of physical and electronic security of their client’s information and records. If the answer is not to your satisfaction, then walk away.
Hire Your Tax Expert
If you need help managing your taxes, consider hiring ATBS to help you out. ATBS has been in the industry for more than 20 years and is an expert in trucking taxes. They offer various services, including accounting, bookkeeping, and tax preparation, specifically for truck drivers.
