Questions to Ask your New Tax Preparer

Choosing a new tax preparer isn’t just about finding someone who can file a return. You’re trusting this person with sensitive financial information and, more importantly, with decisions that can affect your money for years. The right questions upfront can save you stress, surprise bills, and costly mistakes later.

One of the first things you should ask is about credentials and experience. Not all tax preparers are created equal. Some only handle basic W-2 returns a few months a year, while others work with complex situations year-round. You want to know how long they’ve been preparing taxes, what types of clients they typically serve, and whether they regularly handle returns like yours. If you own a business, have rental properties, stock transactions, or multi-state issues, this matters a lot.

It’s also fair to ask who will actually be working on your return. In some firms, the person you meet is a salesperson and your return gets handed off to someone else you never speak to. That isn’t automatically bad, but you should know upfront who prepares the return, who reviews it, and who is responsible if questions come up later. Accountability is key here.

Another critical question is how they get paid and what’s included in the fee. You want clear pricing before any work begins, not a surprise invoice after your return is finished. Ask whether the fee is flat or based on forms, complexity, or time. You should also ask what happens if new issues come up mid-process and whether that changes the cost. A professional preparer should be comfortable explaining this without dodging or getting defensive.

You should also ask how they handle communication. Taxes rarely go perfectly smoothly, and questions almost always come up. Find out how easy it is to reach them, how quickly they typically respond, and whether you’ll be communicating by phone, email, secure portal, or all of the above. If you value responsiveness, this can be just as important as technical skill.

A smart question that many people forget to ask is what happens after the return is filed. Do they help if you get an IRS or state notice? Is that included in the fee or billed separately? Will they explain the notice to you in plain English, or just forward it along? A preparer who disappears after filing is done is usually not someone you want long-term.

It’s also worth asking how proactive they are with tax planning. Some preparers only look backward and focus strictly on compliance. Others actively look for ways to reduce future tax bills and help you make better decisions during the year. Neither approach is wrong, but you should know which one you’re hiring so your expectations match reality.

Finally, trust your instincts during the conversation. If a preparer promises unusually large refunds without reviewing your information, pressures you to sign quickly, or avoids direct answers, that’s a red flag. A good tax preparer will be honest, sometimes blunt, and willing to tell you things you may not want to hear if it’s in your best interest.

Asking these questions upfront takes a little time, but it puts you in control. A solid tax preparer relationship should feel clear, professional, and collaborative, not confusing or rushed. If you walk away feeling informed and respected, you’re probably on the right track.