Some taxpayers can benefit from well-chosen help

As the snow continues to swirl outside, another storm rages inside: the annual flurry of paper receipts, computerized check register printouts, W-2s and countless other personal financial documentation.

That’s right, it’s not only winter, it’s the dreaded tax season, too. Procrastinators beware: April 15 is only seven weeks away.

Since Congress enacted the federal income tax in 1913, Americans have been sweating out this annual and humbling financial ritual. Therefore, choosing someone or some firm to handle your taxes is an important task and should be considered carefully.

First, why not do the tax preparation yourself? If you enjoy a mathematical challenge and have lots of time on your hands to study tax laws, you may save money by preparing your own return.

But even if you study the tax laws closely, you may not learn all you need to know to minimize your tax bill. You could make a costly mistake. You may pay more than your fair share and be greatly frustrated in the process. Becoming a once-a-year expert in tax preparation might be as difficult as winning the gold medal in speedskating in Turin.

Another approach is to invest in a computerized tax preparation program, and millions of people do, but you must still do much of the work yourself with no personal interaction and guidance from a trained professional on the other side of the table. This is definitely a cookbook approach to the process and not for everyone.

Many Mainers, however, seek the guidance of a professional income tax preparer. The big question is: “How do I choose the service that is right for my family?”

Of course a natural starting point to consider is how complex your return is likely to be. If your situation calls for a Short Form 1040A or 1040EZ, you won’t need a high-priced professional. Even if you do file one of these forms, you may overlook important tax advantages such as Earned Income Credit, Child/Dependent Care Credit or Head of Household status. In cases like these, a tax preparer might be a good idea. But an expensive CPA firm? Probably not.

Tax knowledge, credentials, accuracy and professionalism are all factors that should be carefully weighed by the tax client. Also, personal service, convenience, availability, stability and price are important factors. As in most business interactions, long-term and trusting relationships often pay dividends in the long run.

If you feel comfortable with your tax service professional, and also feel you get adequate face-to-face contact and get your questions answered in a confidential environment, you have clearly jumped most of the hurdles to customer satisfaction.

Price is important, but value is more important. If you are new to the community or looking for a change in your service, try seeking references from people you know and trust. With national tax preparation firms, remember quality may vary greatly from office to office.

Always remember that no matter who does your return, you, the taxpayer, are ultimately responsible for it. Tax preparers may testify in court, should that become necessary, but it is your signature and Social Security number on the paperwork.

When April 15 rolls around and you hear your completed tax returns in their stamped envelopes hit the bottom of the mailbox in front of the Federal Building or you hear the keystroke that whips your return electronically to Andover, Mass., you can now be satisfied for a job well done. The next appropriate course of action would be to make resolutions not to procrastinate in getting next year’s taxes prepared and to keep better financial records.

Consumer Forum is a collaboration of the Bangor Daily News and Northeast COMBAT-Maine Center for the Public Interest, Maine’s membership-funded, nonprofit organization. For help, write to Consumer Forum, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329.