* Avoid preparers who claim they can get larger refunds than other preparers, or who guarantee results or base fees on a percentage of the amount of the refund.
* Never sign a blank return, even if the preparer asks you to.
* Before signing your return, review it to ensure the tax information and your name, address and Social Security numbers(s) are correct and that you understand the entries and are comfortable with the accuracy of the return.
* Check to see if the preparer has any questionable history with the Better Business Bureau, the state’s board of accountancy for CPAs, the state’s bar association for attorneys or the state’s Attorney General’s office.
Click the link to pick up a copy of An IRA Owner's Manual or if you'd prefer the Kindle version (and let's face it, ALL the cool kids do!), you can find that at this Kindle version link.
I can learn from you, you can learn from me - please leave your comments and links!Jim Blankenship, CFP®, EA, is an expert in personal retirement, IRAs, and tax issues, with more than 25 years of experience in the industry. Read more from this author
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And if you've come here to learn about queuing waterfowl, I apologize for the confusion. You may want to discuss your question with Lester, my loyal watchduck and self-proclaimed "advisor's advisor".