How to pick a tax return preparer

The IRS projects more than 1.2 million Missouri and 575,000 Kansas taxpayers will hire someone to prepare and e-file their 2008 federal tax return.

While most tax return preparers provide excellent service to their clients, the IRS urges taxpayers to be careful picking a tax professional.

Remember, no matter who prepares your tax return, you are responsible for all of the information on it.

Reputable preparers will ask questions about income, expenses, deductions and contributions. They will also ask to see receipts to help the taxpayer avoid penalties, interest or additional taxes that could result from an IRS examination.

Here are some things to think about when choosing a tax return preparer: Do you know anyone who has used the tax preparer in the past?

* Were they satisfied with the cost and service they received? What are the preparer's qualifications?

* Are they affiliated with a professional organization that holds them to a code of ethics? How long have they been in business?

* Will the individual or firm be around to answer questions about your tax return months, or even years, after it has been filed?

* Does the Better Business Bureau have any information on the preparer? How much will it cost?

* Avoid preparers who base their fee on a percentage of the refund or claim they can obtain larger refunds than other preparers.

A reputable tax professional signs your tax return and provides a copy for your records.

* Review your return and ask questions about entries you don't understand.

* Never sign a blank tax form.

When the IRS detects a return with errors or false information, the taxpayer, not the return preparer, must pay any additional taxes, interest and penalties.

Free tax preparation is available through the IRS.gov web site and local volunteer return preparation programs.

The IRS and its community partners offer free help in preparing simple tax returns for low- to moderate-income taxpayers. Call (800) 906-9887 to find the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance site nearest you.

For more tax filing information, forms and publications, visit 1040 Central at www.IRS.gov.

Don't be confused by internet sites that end in .com, .net, .org or other designations.