Helpful Hints When Choosing a Return Preparer While most preparers provide excellent service to their clients, the IRS urges taxpayers to be very careful when choosing a tax preparer.  You should be as careful as you would in choosing a doctor or a lawyer.  It is important to know that even if someone else prepares your return, you are ultimately responsible for all the information on the tax return.   Things to consider when choosing a return preparer include:   v     Avoid tax preparers who claim they can obtain larger refunds than other preparers. v     Avoid preparers who base their fee on a percentage of the amount of the refund. v     Use a reputable tax professional that signs your tax return and provides you with a copy for your records. v     Consider whether the individual or firm will be around to answer questions about the preparation of your tax return months, or even years, after the return has been filed. v     Review your return before you sign it and ask questions on entries you don't understand. v     No matter who preparers your tax return, you (the taxpayer) are ultimately responsible for all of the information on your tax return.  Therefore, never sign a blank tax form.  v     Ask questions.  Do you know anyone who has used the tax professional?  Were they satisfied with the services they received? v     Tax evasion is a risky crime, a felony, punishable by 5 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.   Taxpayers hearing claims from preparers offering larger refunds than other preparers are encouraged to check it out with a trusted tax professional or the IRS before getting involved.