Confirm the name and credential of the person supervising and signing the return, the experience of the preparer handling your records, and whether your return receives a documented review. Ask how corrections are handled, how long records are retained, how files are transmitted, and whether the quoted fee includes state returns and follow-up questions.
Review the completed return before signing it, make sure the paid preparer signs and includes a PTIN where required, and keep a full copy. Avoid preparers who ask you to sign a blank return, direct a refund to an account you do not control, or base their fee on a percentage of the refund.