If you’re like millions of Americans, you may be overwhelmed at the prospect of preparing your tax return. Maybe you’re considering getting some professional help at tax time so you know what papers to collect and what forms to complete. There are several types of professionals and sources of assistance to choose from:

Certified Public Accountants (CPAs)

CPAs are tax professionals who typically have a degree in accounting (or another closely-related finance field) and who have passed the rigorous CPA exam. They are state-licensed and required to keep current on tax code changes. CPAs have been trained to handle the most complicated tax returns and can offer professional tax advice. In addition to preparing your tax return, they can help you identify and take advantage of tax savings and give you advice on how to invest wisely to minimize your taxes in the future. CPAs aren’t cheap, however. They typically charge a flat fee of at least $700 - $1,000 or more depending on how much time it takes them to prepare your return.

Enrolled Agents (EAs)

Don’t be frightened off by their title. Enrolled agents (EAs) are former IRS employees, or individuals who have passed tax exams and an IRS background check and are licensed by the federal government. They can be less expensive than CPAs and offer you more services/help than Tax Preparation Centers. EAs can prepare taxes, advise you on tax-related decisions, help you in the event that you’re audited, and even represent you before the federal government. To find an EA in your area, click here.

Tax Preparation Centers

You've no doubt seen the TV ads for companies like H&R Block and Jackson Hewitt. These tax preparation houses are one-stop shops for people looking for professional tax help. They typically charge a low flat fee for preparing your taxes and can often complete your package on the spot. These professionals are typically strongest with simple or very straightforward tax situations and are more than likely not going to give you tax advice on how to lower your bill or prepare financially for next year’s taxes.

IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers

The IRS operates Taxpayer Assistance Centers in all 50 states. These Centers offer you a personal one-on-one opportunity to ask a professional your tax questions free of charge. In some cases you can also receive assistance in preparing your personal taxes. For example, IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center employees will help prepare basic individual income tax returns if you earn $35,000 or less. There is no appointment necessary and multilingual assistance in available in every office. Click here for a list of site locations nationwide.

Questions to Ask

If you are going to pay a professional to prepare your taxes, be sure to evaluate their qualifications. Suggested questions include:

• What education and training do you have in preparing taxes?
• How many years have you been preparing taxes?
• Do you have experience preparing taxes for people in financial situations similar to mine?
• Do you provide any assistance if I'm audited?
• How quickly can I expect you to complete my return?
• Will you be able to give me advice on how to get in better shape for next tax year?
• What is your fee?

Preparing and Planning Ahead

Don't wait until the last minute to get your paperwork together or make a call for an appointment with a tax professional. Give yourself enough time to get your papers together, ask the questions you need answers to, and for your tax professional to have the time he or she needs to prepare your return.

Looking ahead to next year, consider getting some basic financial planning help. A professional financial planner or advisor can help you create a practical game plan to help you begin saving, investing and possibly reducing your taxes. For more information on getting financial planning help and questions to ask a professional financial planner, click here.