Tax Preparer offices (Kansas City, St. Louis: 2013, high school, income)

[Hazel W]

Where are the professional tax preparers in this county? On the other side of the state, I took my 1099s to a company of CPAs who specialized in tax records, including income tax preparation. They did a good job and could explain any confusions I had. They knew the ins and outs of the tax codes. I cannot find such an office here. Everybody is putting a piece of software in his computer and hanging out a shingle declaring himself to be a tax preparer. They can't answer questions and they take offense if you ask - probably because they do not know the answers.

There must be professional companies here, as large as this area is. Please tell me. I am not asking for recommendations of one over another. I just want to find such a company so I can get going here. Thank you.

[glamatomic]

The first year I moved to the U.S. I used H&R Block here in St. Louis:

Find an Office- here is a list of their locations in the St. Louis region!

I don't think you can go wrong with the 'name brand' companies such as H&R Block- at least you know it's not Joe Schmo working out of his garage who just completed an online course in tax preparation!

Good luck to you!

[Hazel W]

I had a reason for avoiding H & R Bloch (which I'll skip) but I may go ahead and try them.

I have spent the morning trying to find out what Missouri's requirements are for tax preparers to be qualified and licensed. I have about decided they have no regulations. I've not found any. I did find that some states (not name specifically) only require a high school diploma or GED. Somehow, i don't think that gets it. But some states have no requirements at all.

Anyway, maybe I'll just go ahead with H&R. Thank you.

[billiken]

Both my husband and I are CPAs (the firms we work for will do 1040s, but it's typically more complex returns). The only piece of advice I have is to NOT get your taxes done with H&R Block. The amount of crap tax returns coming out of that place is ridiculous. In fact, I just saw this in the news a few days ago: Tax glitch delays refunds, angers Block customers - KansasCity.com

Sorry I don't have more advice on a reputable tax firm that works on a lot of 1040s in town. In terms of finding someone reputable, someone with a CPA license is a good start. The CPA license have stringent education requirements (both degree-wise and continuing education) and the test to become one is challenging.

Also, just so you know, even the most reputable firms are essentially just putting your info into some software. The key is finding someone who knows enough about tax to understand the output in case something is entered incorrectly or is coming out funky, or finding someone that can make tax strategy recommendations.

Good luck!

[Hazel W]

Originally Posted by billiken

Both my husband and I are CPAs (the firms we work for will do 1040s, but it's typically more complex returns). The only piece of advice I have is to NOT get your taxes done with H&R Block. The amount of crap tax returns coming out of that place is ridiculous. In fact, I just saw this in the news a few days ago: Tax glitch delays refunds, angers Block customers - KansasCity.com

Sorry I don't have more advice on a reputable tax firm that works on a lot of 1040s in town. In terms of finding someone reputable, someone with a CPA license is a good start. The CPA license have stringent education requirements (both degree-wise and continuing education) and the test to become one is challenging.

Also, just so you know, even the most reputable firms are essentially just putting your info into some software. The key is finding someone who knows enough about tax to understand the output in case something is entered incorrectly or is coming out funky, or finding someone that can make tax strategy recommendations.

Good luck!

Thank you. It's a CPA firm that I was looking for. I know there must be one. I am almost certain there is one large one. It is in Kansas City, or was. But I've lost its name and no one seems to know of it here. There are several that do for businesses only but not for individuals.

And, yes, that software is stirring the pot. Not that it isn't good, I'm sure. Just that too many people are using it who do not understand what is behind it.

[Hazel W]

I have an email in my Inbox saying Finance Writer has responded to my post. But I come here and there is no such response. Can someone please explain? Thank you.

[billiken]

His post was somewhat advertising-ish, which was probably flagged as not allowed.

[Hazel W]

I wondered about that later. Thanks.