Curated Links: 02/19/2024 – Kick Off Tax Season with Confidence

‘Buyer beware.’ Anyone can call themselves a tax preparer. Here’s how to find a qualified professional

There’s a staffing shortage in the accounting industry, and it’s not too early to lock in a tax preparer for next season. If you need someone with specialty expertise, such as the employee retention tax credit or cryptocurrency taxes, it may take longer to find a qualified match. But vetting is always important, experts say.

Source: CNBC

How to File Taxes This Year: 2024 Tax-Filing Guide

Whether you’re a first-time filer or just need help learning how to file taxes on your own, here’s a quick guide that covers how, when and where to file your return this year.

Source: NerdWallet

Seven red flags that your tax preparer is a fraud

“It’s important for taxpayers to be vigilant and, if possible, double-check their preparer’s work just to make sure that refund isn’t too good to be true,” said Ciaran McEvoy, a spokesman for the U.S. attorney’s office in Los Angeles.

Source: Washington Post

Should I do my own taxes or hire a pro? Here’s how to decide.

Since most people’s financial situations change every year, whether to do your own taxes or hire an accountant is a question worth asking annually. The flowchart below can help you make a quick decision, but keep reading for more detailed guidelines.

Source: Business Insider

How to Find a Reputable Tax Preparer Near You

For some people, annual taxes are easy to do on their own. But for those who have started a business, taken on freelance work or received unemployment benefits, it can be much more complicated. That’s where a qualified, local tax preparer can help.

Source: US News