Some of us do our own taxes, while most people hire someone else.

Here to help choose a tax preparer is our Consumer Expert Shirley Nash-Pitts.

Taxpayers who pay someone to do their taxes should choose a preparer wisely. If you choose a paid tax preparer, it is important you find a qualified tax professional.

Taxpayers are ultimately responsible for everything on their return even when it's prepared by someone else. While most tax return preparers are professional and honest, taxpayers can use the following tips to choose a preparer who will offer the best service for their tax preparation needs:

Ask about service fees.
Avoid preparers who claim they can obtain larger refunds than other preparers, or those who guarantee results or base fees on a percentage of the amount of the refund.

Plan ahead.
Choose a preparer you will be able to contact after the return is filed and one that will be responsive to your needs.

Get references.
Ask questions and get references from clients who have used the tax professional before.

Research.
Check to see if the preparer has any questionable history with the Better Business Bureau. Find out if the preparer belongs to a professional organization that requires its members to pursue continuing education and also holds them accountable to a code of ethics.

Determine if the preparer's credentials meet your needs.

Only attorneys, CPA's and enrolled agents can represent you before the IRS in all matters including audits, collection actions and appeals. Other tax preparers may represent taxpayers only in audits regarding a return they signed as a preparer.

Report suspected tax fraud and abusive tax preparers to the IRS. They have a form 3949-A just for this purpose.