Zicklin Professor Offers Tips for Choosing a Tax Preparer

Associate Professor of Tax Law at the Zicklin School of Business Steven Melnik offers helpful advice to those who are looking for a tax preparer during this year’s tax season. His tips include advice on how to choose a preparer and what to look for in a professional. Professor Melnik notes that it is important to choose a tax preparer wisely for your tax return filing because in the end, you are responsible for what is reported.

“The biggest mistake that people make when searching for a tax preparer is that people will go to whoever will get them the biggest refund,” said Melnik. “People don’t do their due-dilligence and don’t do the research.”

In addition to researching the professional’s background, Professor Melnik also advises individuals to find some of the professional’s other clients and get feedback about their experience and their opinion. Most of the information on tax professionals can be found online.

Melnik also notes that experience is one of the most important factors in deciding on a tax preparer. “It all boils down to who is handling your filing. Ask for a partner, ask for someone who has been there the longest. It’s better to find someone who  has a lot of experience rather than to just find someone who is easy,” said Melnik.

Professor Melnik has been at the Zicklin School for over 10 years. In addition to teaching tax law he also serves as the Chairman of Continuing Education Seminars for CPAs and Attorneys and the Academic Director of Graduate and Undergraduate Tax Areas at Baruch College. His areas of expertise include Tax, Estate and Medicaid Planning; Asset Preservation; Money Laundering and Tax Evasion.

Read Professor Melnik’s Top Eight Tips to Choosing a Tax Preparer here. For more information on the Zicklin School of Business, visit metromba.com.

regions: New York City

About the Author