Shah CPA Firm, PLLC and Shah Law Firm, PLLC

FAQ - choosing a preparer

It is important to choose a tax return preparer wisely. Preparers come in several shapes and forms. Preparers have different credentials and ethical standards. The work product varies just as much. When you choose a preparer, think of the following:

Check the credentials
Who is really preparing your return?
Do you get advice?
Is the preparer available or MIA after tax season?
Does the preparer have strong ethical standards?

Try giving your tax information to 5 different preparers (including yourself), and don't be surprised if you get 5 different refunds or balance dues.

Check the credentials

Check the Credentials of the Preparer. There are various types of tax return preparers, including CPAs, enrolled agents, attorneys, and many others who don't have a professional credential.

Beware of those national tax preparation chains. You know the ones - the seasonal tax preparers who have limited qualifications and experience - but give themselves fancy titles. Few, if any, are licensed CPAs and certainly none are both CPAs and attorneys (like yours truly)!

Beware of those individuals attempting to suggest that they are CPAs just because they worked for a CPA firm. Look at the credentials individuals place after their name - that's the best identifier of somebody's qualification.

Thinking of preparing your tax return yourself? Question, who are you going to call when you are all alone and have an issue afterwards (i.e. letter from the IRS or state)? Don't leave money on the table by saving a few bucks and self-preparing your return.

Neeraj is certainly a qualified preparer - he has the hat trick - a CPA, an attorney and an MBA!

Who is really preparing your return?

Mid-size to Large CPA Firm. They all look glamorous from the outside, don't they? Are you confident that the partner on the website is really preparing your return?

Many of these mid-size to large CPA firms have a large support staff who help manage the workload. These support staff are often at the firm for only a few years before going on to greener pastures. Others are seasonal hires.

Neeraj is the only person who touches your return. That's probably why he is able to give very personalized suggestions for future tax years!

Do you get advice?

Does your preparer just tell you your refund or balance due? They expect payment, and you go on your way? Wouldn't it be nice to be educated on the content of your return? Wouldn't it be nice to have a substantive conversation about your taxes and get recommendations how to improve your tax situation for next year?

Neeraj believes in educating his clients. Often, Neeraj gives one or two things that the client can do to make next year’s taxes even better. It’s a good feeling!

Available or MIA?

Does your tax preparer go missing in action after April 15th? You know, it is important to have a go-to person outside of tax season. A good preparer will help you navigate through IRS or state letters. These letters have deadlines and can show up in your mailbox at any time. Additionally, a good preparer can help you understand your tax consequence for one-time cash flows.

Neeraj is available year-round and around the clock. His clients know that Neeraj has an open door to discuss their personal situation. Most often, though, it is common to reconnect in October or November to discuss year-end planning opportunities.

Strong ethics

Taxpayers are ultimately responsible for all the information on their income tax return. This is true regardless of who prepares the return. Having an ethical preparer will give you confidence on the content of your return. It is 100% better for all parties involved to place ethics as priority #1. Don't try to pull a fast one on the IRS.

Neeraj does not compromise one bit on ethics – always following rules to the “T” and expects clients to have the same mentality. No exceptions!