It's that time of year again – time to get together your records from the last quarter of 2008 (or maybe for the whole year) so you can get your income tax return done.

If you're brave and if your business is simple, you may try to prepare your own tax return. Otherwise, you'll call a tax preparer, let them work their magic, and send off your return to the IRS.

Maybe you'll read the return before it gets sent off. But if the tax preparer you use finds a way to get you off the hook without owing much, or better yet gets you a nice refund, chances are the only lines you'll look are the "important" ones. In other words, the size of your refund or payment due, and the amount you have to pay for the first quarter estimated tax (if any). Then you'll pat yourself on the back for finding this really great tax preparer, and move on to the next thing on your agenda.

What's wrong with this picture? Well, if you haven't read your return, you'll never know if that clever tax preparer may have been overly aggressive in preparing your return – aggressive enough to get you in trouble with the IRS.

"No sweat," you say? If the IRS comes after you, you'll point them to the tax preparer. After all you trusted him or her to do a good job. So, the problem is the preparer's fault, not yours, right?

Wrong.

According to the IRS, you are legally responsible for what’s on your tax returns even if they are prepared by someone else. So, it’s important to find a qualified tax professional – and to read your tax returns before they are filed.

How can you pick a good tax preparer if you don't have one or don't trust the person you've been using? And how can you ensure the return is accurate?

Expect the tax preparer or accountant to ask a lot of questions and to ask to see your records and receipts. They need all the information to be sure your return is accurate, that you take all the deductions you're entitled to, and that you don't omit items that could later subject you to penalties or fines for under- or non-reporting.

Ask other business owners for recommendations, but be on your guard if an acquaintance brags about some deductions that stretch the truth, or does other things that would make you uneasy.

The IRS offers these additional tips:

• Ask what the the preparer will charge for doing your return before the return is prepared. Avoid preparers who base their fee on a percentage of the amount of your refund or who claim they can obtain larger refunds than other preparers.
• Only use a tax professional that signs your tax return and provides you with a copy for your records. Steer clear of tax preparers who ask you to sign a blank tax return form.
• Ask about the preparer’s credentials. Is he or she licensed by your state? Is he or she an Enrolled Agent, Certified Public Accountant, or Attorney? If so, the preparer can represent taxpayers before the IRS on all matters – including audits, collections, and appeals. Other return preparers can represent taxpayers only in audits regarding a return signed as a preparer.
• Read the tax return before you sign it. Question the tax preparer about anything you don't understand.

You can find more tax tips on the IRS website at http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/content/0,,id=104608,00.html

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