Questions to Ask a Tax Preparer Before You Hire Them
A good interview does not need to be long. A small number of well-chosen questions can reveal a great deal about a tax professional’s practice, judgment, experience, and service model.
The 30-Second Answer
Ask questions that expose the five lenses: credential, practice focus, competence, experience, and relationship. The goal is not to interrogate the professional; it is to understand whether the fit is real.
Questions About Credential
- What professional credential or qualification do you hold?
- How can I verify it?
- What IRS representation rights do you have?
- What continuing education do you complete?
Questions About Practice Focus
- What percentage of your practice is tax?
- What types of returns do you prepare most often?
- What kinds of clients are not a good fit for your practice?
Questions About Competence and Experience
- How often do you handle situations like mine?
- How do you research an issue you have not seen before?
- Who reviews complex returns?
- What kinds of issues do you usually refer out?
Questions About the Relationship
- Are you available year-round?
- How do clients normally communicate with you?
- What response time should I expect?
- What happens if I receive an IRS notice?
- How are your fees determined, and what is not included?
The Most Revealing Question
Ask: “Can you give me an example of a situation like mine that you handle regularly?” The answer often tells you more than a title or marketing claim.
Free Download
Use this worksheet or checklist alongside the guide.
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Reviewed by Owen Arnoff, EA, NTPI Fellow
Reviewed: October 2026
Technical tax content is intended for general education. Tax law and procedures can change, and individual facts matter. See our Editorial Standards.