Factors To Consider When Preparing Your Taxes (NAPSA)—Ifthere is one thing that’s constant about tax laws, it’s that they change. What was permissible last year may not be legal this year, which can add to your confusion and anxiety when filing this year’s return. Changes in your personallife can also complicate matters. Often, marriage, adoption, job loss, foreclosure and business- related decisions can mean morecomplicated tax returns and the need to consult a qualified tax professional. That’s one reason it’s wise to consider a number of factors before deciding to seek the guidance of a professional or to use a do-it-yourself approach whenfiling. Whichever methodis right for you, here are sometips. Pick the right pro When it comes to selecting a professional to work with, it’s important to find one whois qualified and trained. The proposed IRS training and education standards would require paid tax preparers who are not EAs, attorneys or CPAsto pass a one-time competency exam and complete 15 hours of continuing education annually. Some professionals continue their preparation well beyond the minimum. For example, H&R Block tax professionals complete 24 hours of continuing education annually. On average, their clients are served by a tax professional with more than eight years’ experience and 450 hoursof training. Whenselecting a tax preparer, here are some additionaltips: Look for a preparer who is available year-round. Taxes are typically prepared January through the April filing deadline, yet the IRS corresponds with taxpayers all year about audits and other concerns, making it important to have access to a professional in the “off-season.” Only trust tax preparers committed to helping taxpayers claim the maximum amountentitled by law. Unsubstantiated claims may save taxpayers money up front but will likely cost them in the long run. Seek reputable tax professionals who guarantee their work, and understand what happensif an error is made on the return. Will they pay the resulting penalties and interest? For instance, H&R Block guarantees accurate calculations; if IRS penalties and interest charges result from an error on its part, the companywill pay these expenses. Theright software For taxpayers who’d rather handle the filing on their own, H&R Block At Homeoffers multiple online and software products based on tax complexity. For example: Its At Home Free productis for taxpayers filing simple returns and seeking a no-cost federal tax preparation onlineoption. The At Home Premium & Busi- ness product is for business owners seeking a solution that allows individual and business tax returns to be prepared with the same product. Remember, regardless of who prepares tax returns, taxpayers are legally responsible for their contents. To learn more, visit www.hrblock.com or call 800HRBLOCK.
