Decide in the Fall Who Will Prepare Your Taxes in the Spring

Most people don’t need the help of an accountant to prepare their taxes, says Geoffrey Kulik, a partner at Sterck Kulik O’Neill Accounting Group, Inc., a Diamond Certified firm. However, Mr. Kulik says many taxpayers sign up for too much or too little help in March and April because they panic and choose a professional based on who’s available rather than who can best help them.

Fall is the right time to decide how you’re going to prepare your taxes next spring. Taxpayers with complex returns can meet with CPAs to see if the firm is a good fit. Salaried employees with simple returns can interview preparers about their price and schedule requirements. For simple returns, you can even investigate home computer tax software. By deciding how you’re going to get help in the fall, you can intelligently match your tax situation with the different levels of assistance available without feeling deadline pressure.