If you haven't filed your taxes, there are some things to watch our for when choosing someone to prepare them. Randall Hoth, President of Wisconsin Better Business Bureau, says beware of the Refund Anticipation Loan (RAL). These are offered by tax preparers who will promise you, the refund immediately. He says the interest rates can range from 50 to 500%.
"Big refunds, promises or a tax preparer who offers to do your taxes for a percentage of the refund are things to avoid," says Hoth.
Some tax operations set up shop right before the tax season. However, he says in case of a tax error or an audit you want to be able to contact the preparer throughout the year.
The burden of responsibility is on the tax payer. Hoth says, "Ultimately the tax liability is the consumers."
