Tips & Tools

Choosing a Tax Professional

Tax professionals play an essential role in the U.S. tax system. Certified public accountants, Enrolled Agents, attorneys and others without formal credentials are just a few of the professionals who help taxpayers file their returns accurately. It is important to choose a professional who is skilled and trustworthy.

Most tax return professionals provide great service but picking the wrong one can hurt taxpayers financially. The IRS offers tips for choosing a tax preparer.

People can use the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications to find qualified professionals.

Helpful IRS Tools

IRS.gov is a valuable resource for taxpayers, offering a variety of online tools like the Individual Online Account available 24/7. These tools help individuals file and pay taxes, track refunds, access account information and get answers to tax questions. Taxpayers are encouraged to bookmark these resources for easy access.

W-4 Calculator

The IRS Tax Withholding Estimator on IRS.gov can help taxpayers make sure the correct amount of tax is withheld from their paychecks. This tool is especially useful for individuals who owed taxes or received large refunds last year, or those who have experienced life changes such as marriage, divorce, or the welcoming of a child. Taxpayers who need to adjust their withholding can update their information with their employer using Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate.