Is it true that you once tried to prepare your tax but failed at one time? If yes, then you must have changed your mind for some good reason which is why you landed here. It is not that you a failure for not continuing with the process but you must have taken the right procedure anyway. It is not that easy to hire the right preparer but it takes so many factors of which you could be asking how you can know about them. Many tax payers are always asking themselves where they can locate the experts. You just landed on the best place where everything you need to know has been listed for you.
The credentials that a professional of tax has is what talks on his/her behalf about his/her professionalism. A tax identification number alone cannot be reliable when searching for a preparer now that you also need other tasks which can be done by the same expert. Think about those audits, appeals and IRS collections that has to be done when you hire a preparer with many credentials. The best preparer is the one who is a member who belongs to an organization of professionals.
Searching for a Pro who is well-established is the least you can do. Having a preparer expert who has been doing the job for more than ten decades is the best experience you can have from an expert. The more experienced the provider, the more informed he/she is on the tax preparations and many other procedures done on taxes. In fact, you can afford to assume about some qualities but not about the experience of an expert now that this is what defines the kind of work you will ever get.
Asking a preparer if he/she has ever had a customer of the same caliber like you is important. If the professional has a list of common clients like you, then the better it will be when it comes to delivering services. Do not waste your time dealing with that preparer who has never had any clients like you in his/her projects.
Asking for quote is not something you need to be scared for because you have a right too. Never assume that a professional will ever mention his/her quote if you do not ask. Some professional assume their clients already know their quotes. This being the first time you need to hire tax preparation services, it is good that you take your time and look at the quote that an expert uses so that you plan your budget. Do not pick the first quote you are given but consulting other preparers helps you find the most reasonable quote.