Consumer Tips : Financial : Income tax preparation

Click for members of the Better Business Bureau of Central and Northern Alberta that do income tax preparation.

The following is general information on income tax preparation.

When choosing an income tax service, take care in selecting your preparer as you would with any other professional. A national tax service is a convenient way to have your taxes prepared, but they only prepare the information. 

An accountant has more specialized training. They also may represent you at an audit or may give you advice on tax planning. 

Whether you choose a national tax service or an accountant, make sure to ask questions. Check the companies reliability reports with the Better Business Bureau. Ask what the fee will be for their services. Fees should be based on the complexity of the return, never on the size of the tax saving or refund. 

Beware of companies that promise "big returns" without even seeing your tax information.

This tip was brought to you by the Better Business Bureau of Central and Northern Alberta.