Picking a Tax Preparer

Picking a Tax Preparer: From Gov:
"Tax season always reminds me of my uncle who used to earn a few extra bucks moonlighting at a tax preparation firm this time of year. My dad, who does his own taxes, would sometimes ask him about tax changes---like the one that lets you claim donations for Haiti relief on your 2009 return.

If you get the heebie jeebies around calculators and aren't eligible for the free file federal tax option Jess talked about last week, you may want to think about hiring someone to prepare your taxes.
You are legally responsible for what is on your tax return so going with a tax preparer will be a buyer beware route. So much so that starting next year all tax preparers will be required to register with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and include an identification number on the tax returns they prepare.
The IRS offers free tax assistance to those over the age of 60 and
military personnel and their families. If you don't qualify and decide to get someone else to prepare your taxes the IRS offers many tips for choosing a tax preparer.

Do you prepare your own taxes?"