Choosing Your Tax Professional

We all start looking to hire a professional as soon as we desperately need one. Am I right? Wrong! Don't make this major mistake when hiring your tax professional. It can lead to big problems.

If something goes terribly wrong with the roofer who was a friend of a friend or the plumber you hired for a steal on Craigslist, you can still hold them legally responsible for negligence and damages.

But, the same rule for roofs and pipes does not apply to taxes. You will be held legally responsible for your tax return, even if you did not prepare it. Let that really set in for a minute...that means if there are financial penalties because of mistakes on your tax return, the IRS is coming for Y-O-U.

So, do yourself a favor: choose your tax professional very wisely. Never wait until you're under the gun to start your search, always check their credentials and references with a fine-tooth comb, and most importantly trust your gut.