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If you need to file back taxes, especially if you believe you might owe the IRS, a good option is to choose the services of a tax professional. An experienced tax professional can save you time and money when you file your back taxes. A professional tax preparer can also negotiate with the IRS and relieve a lot of the stress that comes with confronting the powerful and sometimes unfriendly collections system of the Internal Revenue Service.
What Type of Tax Professional is Best?
Determine how complex it will be to file your back tax returns. If it doesn't appear too complicated, a tax preparation chain such as H&R Block or Jackson Hewitt may match your needs. Just remember that if you use their services for a long period of time, it’s unlikely you'll be dealing with the same tax preparer each time.
If your tax return is more involved, or you prefer a one-on-one relationship, you may feel most secure with an enrolled agent or a CPA. An enrolled agent is licensed by the federal government to not only prepare your taxes but represent your interests with the IRS. A CPA has to pass an exam and, like lawyers, keep up with continuing education. However, unlike an enrolled agent, not every CPA is a tax specialist.
Make certain you're comfortable with the individual tax preparer before you hire him or her. If you want to aggressively pursue deductions when you file back taxes, and your tax preparer is conservative (or vice versa), it will not be a good fit.
What Type of Tax Professional is Best?
Determine how complex it will be to file your back tax returns. If it doesn't appear too complicated, a tax preparation chain such as H&R Block or Jackson Hewitt may match your needs. Just remember that if you use their services for a long period of time, it’s unlikely you'll be dealing with the same tax preparer each time.
If your tax return is more involved, or you prefer a one-on-one relationship, you may feel most secure with an enrolled agent or a CPA. An enrolled agent is licensed by the federal government to not only prepare your taxes but represent your interests with the IRS. A CPA has to pass an exam and, like lawyers, keep up with continuing education. However, unlike an enrolled agent, not every CPA is a tax specialist.
Make certain you're comfortable with the individual tax preparer before you hire him or her. If you want to aggressively pursue deductions when you file back taxes, and your tax preparer is conservative (or vice versa), it will not be a good fit.
