What Is A Tax Pro?

So, you want to know more about our signature "Tax Pros"? Keep reading to learn more about who they are, what It takes to be one, and how they can help you.

What or who is a Pro?

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Enrolled Agent (EA), or as we like to refer to them, a Pro.

CPAs

CPAs are individuals who've met the stringent requirements required by their state board of accountancy and passed the CPA Exam which is largely regarded as one of the more difficult professional exams with an average 50% pass rate.

CPAs who are tax practitioners are subject to many different standards and ethics rules; including all enforceable tax ethics, Circular 230 of the Internal Revenue Code, state licensing boards and other regulatory agencies, professional associations, and various other laws and regulations.

EAs

EAs are also subject to IRS Circular 230 and must pass a three part exam that ensures they have the necessary knowledge to be able to prepare returns and represent clients before the IRS. They too must maintain compliance with ethical standards set forth by the IRS as well as continuing education requirements.

Pros must remain up to date on their technical knowledge and licenses must be periodically renewed through continuing professional education.

Can I select my Pro?

Provided that Pros engaged within Taxfyle have varying availability at a given time, customers will not have the option to select who they want to prepare their return. Rather, we instantly match your tax profile with only Pros who specialize in your tax position, so you always receive the personalized service you deserve..

How is my tax return routed to the right Pro?

When a work request comes through, it's directed to our network of Pros. Our Pros may then select the job that best fits their specialty and comfort level. We have Pros throughout the United States and all have had their license independently verified to ensure a qualified professional on the other end.

A proprietary matching algorithm matches you with Pros whom previously indicated which types of returns he or she is comfortable and has experience working on. We let the platform do its magic, then it's up to your Pro to work theirs.

How are Pro’s vetted, and how are they verified?

Taxfyle maintains a number of procedures that work to ensure proper background checks are conducted on professionals looking to join the network. Pros submit a formal application through the Taxfyle website and provide information relevant to their identification, experience, and credentials. With this, Taxfyle maintains an encrypted database of submitted applications in order to track Pros interested in joining the network. In order for Pros to complete their registration, Taxfyle requires adequate proof of the following:

1. Government issued ID

2. Proof of active PTIN

3. Proof of EFIN

In addition to the above documents, Taxfyle also verify's their Pro license through trusted third party organizations. Provided the requisite documentation, Taxfyle ensures that Pros operating within the platform not only meet the stringent requirements necessary to hold a professional designation, but that they pass the IRS's suitability check as well. This includes a credit check, tax compliance check, a criminal background check, and a check for prior non-compliance with IRS e-file requirements. Once all documents are provided to the satisfaction of Taxfyle, Pros may be granted access to Taxfyle opportunities.

Taxfyle maintains a list of all Pros within its database to track their license expiration dates as well as all the additional documents noted above. Registration must be renewed at the end of every calendar year by providing proof of updated PTIN indicating authority to file as a paid preparer for the approaching tax season.

How can I trust that my Pro is a quality one?

While working within the platform, clients are prompted to rate their Pro based on a 5 star scale, with 5 being a great job. Should a Pro's average rating fall below a 3.5 after the completion of their first 5 jobs within the platform, they will lose access to any additional opportunities.

Pros engaging within projects on the platform accept sole responsibility for the proper resolution of tasks for which they have been engaged. Pros working with Taxfyle operate under the industry's professional standards and are obligated to provide the utmost service for their clients.

What is my relationship with my Pro?

Pros engaged within the Taxfyle network are independent third parties who have passed Taxfyle's background check (explained above) and gained access to customer opportunities. Tax Pros are free to accept or reject work referred by Taxfyle in their own and absolute discretion and are free to complete any accepted work referred by Taxfyle on their own schedule. As a client of the Pro assuming your engagement, you'll provide them relevant information regarding your activity during the tax year through the platform's chat and document upload features. At the end of the engagement, you'll rate your Pro's performance on a scale of one to five, with five indicating an excellent job. Taxfyle uses the rating of your Pro in order to manage the quality of its workforce.

Does my Pro know what I need?

We ask that you provide your Pro with a copy of your prior year tax return so they may have a baseline to work with. You will also be able to communicate with them via our encrypted messaging feature at any time. Through discussions, you can make them aware of any new activity that needs to be captured in the current year. You may also discuss items that may have accidentally been missed in prior years as well as options to remedy the problem. Once you've used Taxfyle, relevant information will be saved within your profile and future Pros may pick up where the last one left off.

Can I use the same Pro again?

If you've had a good experience with your previous tax pro and would like them to prepare another request for you, reach out to Taxfyle support team. We will be happy to check their availability and transfer your next request to them if the pro is available. Please note that cases may vary.

Once a Pro has marked your job complete, there is no relationship established within the platform to ensure they will be your Pro on future work requests. Given that there is no obligation for Pros engaged within the Taxfyle network to remain available after a job is completed, Taxfyle cannot promise you will have the same Pro on all your work requests.