Quick Tips for Picking a Tax Pro: What to Ask, What to Avoid, and How to Protect Your Refund

By this point in filing season, most people have received most of their tax documents. If you are getting ready to file and you plan to hire a tax professional, a little due diligence now can save you from headaches later.

More than half of taxpayers use a paid preparer. That can be a great decision, but there is an important reminder that gets missed: even if someone else prepares your return, you are still responsible for what is on it. That is why choosing the right tax pro matters.

Below is a practical checklist you can use before you hand over your W-2s, 1099s, and personal information.

Start with two non-negotiables: PTIN and a signed return

By law, anyone who is paid to prepare or assist in preparing a federal tax return must have a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). Paid preparers must also sign the return and include their PTIN.

If a preparer will not sign the return, that is a major red flag.

7 smart checks before you hire a tax preparer

1) Availability after filing season

Choose a preparer who is available after April in case questions come up, you receive an IRS letter, or you need help with follow-up items.

A lot of “tax problems” are really “communication problems” that happen after a return is filed.

A simple question to ask:

• If the IRS asks for clarification in June or September, how do you support clients?

2) Service fees that make sense

Ask how the fee is calculated and what is included. Be cautious of preparers who base their fees on a percentage of your refund. That pricing model can incentivize questionable positions.

Better fee practices look like:

• a flat fee based on complexity, or

• a clear scope-based price (for example, W-2 only vs W-2 plus self-employment, rentals, multiple states, and so on).

If you want a clear baseline for what tax prep may cost, you can review our pricing on the White Sands Tax Prep Pricing page.

3) IRS e-file and direct deposit support

Make sure your preparer offers IRS e-file. E-filing is standard practice for professional preparation, and it is generally the fastest and cleanest way to file.

Also, confirm that the preparer will help you set up direct deposit correctly. Refund delays often come from avoidable issues like missing bank digits or accounts that are not in your name.

4) A real preparer asks for records and receipts

A good tax pro should ask to see the documents needed to prepare an accurate return. If someone is willing to file based on estimates, minimal paperwork, or “just tell me your numbers,” that should make you pause.

What you should expect them to request:

• W-2s and 1099s

• year-end summaries for investment and retirement accounts (if applicable)

• documentation for deductions and credits you plan to claim

• business income and expense records if you are self-employed

5) Credentials and qualifications are clear

Not every tax preparer has the same training, and not every credential means the same thing.

You should understand:

• what their credentials are (if any)

• what types of returns they commonly prepare

• whether they keep up with continuing education

• whether they can represent you in front of the IRS if needed (depending on credential)

A good starting point is the IRS resource called the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications, which helps you look up certain preparers and credentials.

6) They review the return with you before you sign

You should always review the return before signing. Ask questions if something is unclear or does not look right.

Two rules to keep in mind:

• Never sign a blank return.

• Never sign an incomplete return.

Your signature is you saying, “Yes, this is accurate to the best of my knowledge.”

7) Your refund goes to your bank account, not theirs

Make sure any refund goes directly into your bank account, not into the preparer’s bank account.

Before the return is filed, double-check:

• routing number

• account number

• account type (checking vs savings)

This is a simple review step that prevents a lot of refund drama.

Red flags that a preparer may be looking for quick profit

If you see one of these, slow down and consider getting a second opinion:

• Promising an unusually large refund before reviewing documents

• Charging fees based on the size of your refund

• Asking you to sign a blank or incomplete return

• Refusing to sign the return or include their PTIN

• Suggesting you “make up” deductions without records

• Directing your refund into an account you do not control

• Being vague about credentials, pricing, or what is included

A trustworthy preparer is comfortable explaining their process. They do not rush you through the review.

What to do right before you sign

Use this short checklist at the finish line:

• Confirm your name and Social Security number are correct

• Confirm dependents’ names and Social Security numbers are correct

• Confirm your address is correct

• Confirm bank routing and account numbers are correct

• Ask what the biggest drivers of your refund or balance due are

• Ask what documents you should keep and for how long

• Make sure you receive a complete copy of the filed return for your records

This is also the moment to ask, “If the IRS sends a notice, what should I do first?”

If you believe you were harmed by a preparer

Tax return preparer fraud is a common scam category. If you believe you have been financially harmed by a preparer’s misconduct or improper tax preparation practices, the IRS provides a way to report it through their Make a complaint about a tax return preparer resource.

Even if you are not sure whether something rises to the level of misconduct, it is still worth getting a second opinion quickly. The earlier you address a problem, the easier it usually is to fix.

Need a tax pro you can reach after filing season?

White Sands Tax Services works with individuals, families, and small businesses, and we are here year-round for follow-up questions, IRS letters, and tax planning. You can review our services and start securely through our new client process.

If you want to talk through your situation before committing, you can schedule a consultation.

Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes and does not constitute tax, legal, or accounting advice. Your situation may require personalized guidance based on your documents and facts.