Local Members of the National Association of Tax Professionals
Advise You to Choose Your Tax Preparer Carefully
Melbourne, FL – With new IRS regulations on tax preparers beginning January 1, 2011, the members of the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) remind consumers that it is more important than ever to be thorough when choosing a tax preparer. The new rules require all tax preparers to be registered with the IRS; a policy that will affect an estimated 600,000 – 1.2 million tax professionals.
Lisa Stiffler, EA of Lisa M. Stiffler, Inc., Melbourne, FL explains that if you pay someone to prepare your taxes they must have a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) before January 1, 2011, or the IRS could potentially not accept those returns. “When you choose your tax preparer this year make sure you ask him or her if they are registered with the IRS,” said Stiffler. “If they have not, keep looking.” Stiffler also reminds taxpayers to never accept a tax return from a preparer who will not sign it. If someone accepts payment for preparing a return, they are required to sign it.
An excellent way to find competent and ethical tax preparers in your area is to check if they are members of the National Association of Tax Professionals. NATP members receive ongoing education to stay current on the ever-changing tax laws. They also agree to a strict code of ethics and standards of professional conduct.
Members of the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) work at offices that assist over 11 million taxpayers with tax preparation and planning. The average NATP member has been in the tax business for over 20 years and holds a tax/financial designation and/or a college degree. NATP has nearly 21,000 members nationwide and serves professionals working in all areas of tax practice through professional education, tax research, and products. Members include individual tax preparers, enrolled agents, certified public accountants, accountants, attorneys, and financial planners. Learn more at www.natptax.com.
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