Tax Return Preparation

Anyone can prepare a tax return…

…not just anyone can do it right.

You want your tax returns to be correct. The value of a licensed professional is a comprehensive understanding of tax regulations, tax planning and your goals. While there may be a fee involved, professionals often earn their fees through tax savings you might have missed and knowledge of tax regulations.

Taxpayers are not shielded from unqualified return preparers. The only requirement to prepare tax returns is to obtain a Preparer TIN (PTIN). While the IRS offers several educational and registration opportunities, the National Taxpayer Advocate reported that, for tax year 2018, 53% of individual tax returns were prepared by unenrolled preparers – meaning they hold no particular license and may not have any competency, educational or continuing education requirements. An astounding 76% of income tax returns by paid preparers claim the EITC and are prepared by unenrolled preparers. This means lower income households are affected the most.

With tax regulations changing frequently, you want a tax return preparer who

• holds a recognized license
• has successfully passed competency examination
• is required to complete annual continuing education
• charges reasonable fees, and we suggest using national averages as a guide
• is accountable to a body of peers and subject to disciplinary procedures for wrongdoing
• is expected to hold your best interest ahead of his or her own.

To earn the Enrolled Agent license and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER(TM) Professional credential, R. Joseph Ritter, Jr. sat for four separate examinations with at least 900 questions. At least 102 continuing education hours must be completed on a 3-year cycle. We follow national and regional averages for return preparation fees. Both the IRS and the CFP Board of Standards hear client grievances and impose disciplinary procedures in the event of malfeasance. The CFP Board of Standards require the fiduciary standard in client interaction.