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Filing taxes can be overwhelming, but asking the right questions can help you avoid mistakes and maximize your refund. Once you’ve found a tax preparation service that works for you, make sure to engage with them for a full understanding of your tax return. To ensure a stress-free and accurate filing process, here’s a list of key questions to ask your tax preparer before filing in 2025.
When utilizing a tax preparation service, you’ll want to provide complete and thorough information and documentation upfront to save time and effort. Ask your tax preparer for a checklist of essential documents—they may need a social security card, W-2s and 1099s, expense receipts, or tax deduction records, among other things. Having these on hand and ready to go can help you avoid filing errors and potential additional fees.
Every taxpayer’s situation is different, and it’s important to understand the potential credits and deductions you may be eligible for. Educators, self-employed workers operating from a home office, and those paying for childcare, for example, might qualify for specific types of deductions. Being aware of savings that apply to your situation prevents you from losing out on money. Ask your tax preparer how they identify applicable deductions and credits.
All income, including additional earnings from freelance gig work, online sales, or independent contractor work, has to be properly reported in your tax filing if that service earns you $400 or more. It’s important to understand how different types of gig work and income impact your filing, and equally important to make sure your business expenses are reported thoroughly and accurately. Your tax professional can help!
Major life changes, including marriage, divorce, childbirth, purchasing a home, starting a business, or retiring, can have large-scale impact on your filing status, deductions, and credits. These events will likely change what you owe to the IRS and should be carefully considered on a case-by-case basis. For example, if you get married and choose to file jointly, you’ll need to make sure all documentation is updated with any changes in surname or address, and you’re likely to qualify for a larger standard deduction.
One of the most important questions to ask your tax preparer is whether your tax return has the potential to trigger an audit. Your tax professional will be familiar with common flags and can help you to minimize risks proactively. Additionally, they can tell you what documentation you should retain in case of an audit (like invoices, payroll records, contracts, etc.), so that you’ll be fully prepared just in case.
Your tax preparer may be able to offer you tax planning tips based on this year’s filing, looking ahead to see how you can save in the future. Ask for recommendations on deductible retirement contributions, tax-exempt health savings accounts, or other strategies.
Refund timelines vary depending on the filing method. E-filed returns are generally processed up to 21 days after filing, and paper/mailed returns often take four weeks or more. Your tax preparer should be able to give you a plausible refund timeline, and you can track your refund using the IRS “Where’s My Refund” tool.
When utilizing a tax preparation service, make sure you’re aware of any preparation fees and additional costs before starting. You want full transparency in terms of both prep fees and payment options—some tax preparers prefer flat fees and others will charge based on percentage.
Tax regulations change frequently, so it’s important to work with a tax preparer who is always up to date. The expertise of your tax professional is what will ensure accuracy and peace of mind when it comes time to file your tax return, so you want to make sure to work with someone who keeps up with the rapidly changing field.
Some tax preparers will offer additional support if the IRS contacts you for an audit post-filing. Make sure you establish right off the bat what your tax service’s policy is on reviewing and resolving filing issues, audits, and IRS communications.
Credit Central’s tax preparation services provide you with digital or in-person guidance that can save you the hassle and stress of tax season. File online today or visit our website to learn more.
