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Almost Tax time.. A few things to consider when picking a Tax Preparer.

Heather Paige Moody

Last year, the IRS announced that all tax-preparers are required to

  • Register with the Federal Government
  • Pass a competency test
  • Take continuing education courses
  • Obtain a federal Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN)

But, even if they are registered and have a PTIN number, it does not necessarily mean that they are competent.  In a recent audit, the IRS had found substantial errors—overlooking common deductions, or incorrectly interpreting the tax code.

You might even want to hire another tax preparer to review previous tax returns to make sure you claimed everything you were entitled to deduct.

Before hiring a tax preparer, consider the following:

  • Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed
  • Check to see if they have a PTIN number from the IRS
  • If CPA or Attorney, check with your state’s professional board for complaints and if they have a current license
  • Ask what continuing education courses they have taken within the last 12 months
  • Ask if they belong to any professional organizations
  • Ask how long they have been preparing tax returns
  • Ask if he/she is familiar with the “type” of tax return you need to file
  • Find out how they determine the fees you will pay (will it be hourly or flat fee?)
  • How many clients have they represented in IRS audits?

Steer clear of tax preparers who claim they can get you a larger refund—without reviewing your paperwork first.

Steer clear of tax preparers who charge a “percentage” of your refund—the tax return may contain inaccurate info in order to pump up the refund amount.

Steer clear of tax preparers who have “a lot” of experience with representing clients who have been audited—this may be a sign that they claim “questionable” deductions.

If you need a good tax preparer, please email or call me, because being in the mortgage business, I know several who are truly competent and I know will help you get your tax return filed accurately and filed on time.

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Published by Heather Paige Moody

Welcome! I'm Heather ( AKA: Paige) Moody . A Little About me: I was born and raised in a small town in Eunice, Louisiana where I started my first mortgage company in 2005 at the age of 21 years old. Since 2005 I’ve grown to know everything when it comes to the industry, from owning a mortgage company, processing loans, mortgage underwriting rules, to now managing. Why I’m in the Mortgage Business: My family has a history of Banking and real estate . I could see at an early age how satisfying the real estate profession was for them, so I started off as a Real Estate agent and quickly realized that the mortgage side was my passion. I am a mother of 4 very active kids that have been/ are being raised in the Real Estate /mortgage world. I have always said that their first baby blanket was a file folder. I love to be able to teach that going the extra mile for others is such a blessing to us as well as the other person. Most importantly that no matter what the obstacle is that we must work hard and give it our all in all that we do. Our family lives at a field or a gym for most of the year. Between baseball, cheer, volleyball, football and anything they can possibly sing up for, I have developed little-known disease called Bleacher Butt. When I am not working ( or should I say.. not behind my desk) or attending an event for one of the kids . I really enjoy bible studies , reading and listening to podcast. My children go to 2 different schools and I am so blessed to be part of two Mom’s in Prayer groups. It is a National Organization that Moms can get together to pray for our children and our school. As the Southern Mortgage Mom, I help homebuyers and Real Estate Agents make the Mortgage buying process as stress free as possible. I have been called the miracle worker by clients and agents( on occasion) because I have saved some mortgage loans that others have denied . It has nothing to do with miracles , but all to do with knowing how to get a loan approved. If I am lucky enough that you chose me or my team as your go to lender, I promise that I will be fair, I will be honest and you will feel like family when you sign the final papers and I will keep in touch (till you tell me not to) long after the mortgage loan is closed. Looking forward to working with you when it comes time to buy a home or refinance your current mortgage.

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