Choosing a Tax Professional

Here are some tips on finding a tax professional:

There are three national tax professional organizations that offer state listings of their members: the National Association of Enrolled Agents (http://www.naea.org or 800-424-4339), the National Association of Tax Professionals (http://www.natptax.com or 800-558-3402), and the National Society of Accountants (http://www.natptax.com or 703-549-6400). You can also look in the phone book to find the local chapter of any of these organizations.

Ask other family child care providers or the members of your family child care association for the names of their tax professional.

Ask your local child care resource and referral agency, Food Program sponsor, or family child care association for names.

Find out if there are any local taxpayer assistance services for low-income people in your area. Contact your local United Way for more information about these programs.

The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to low-to moderate-income (under $35,000) taxpayers. Volunteers receive training to help prepare basis tax returns in communities across the country. Not all VITA operations prepare business returns. Be sure to ask right away if the site is equipped to prepare family child care returns.
To find a VITA site close to you, call the IRS at 800-829-1040.

Find out if there are any community resources that you can use. For example, some communities have taxpayer assistance services for low-income people. Contact your local United Way for more information about these programs.

If you use a tax professional, the book Family Child Care Tax Companion can help educate him/her about the unique tax rules affecting providers.

If you do your own taxes, the book Family Child Care Tax Workbook and Organizer can take you step-by-step through all your
tax forms.

This handout was produced by Think Small (www.thinksmall.org).

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