# Choosing a tax advisor/preparer

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/choosing-a-tax-advisor-preparer/508992>\
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion\
**Created:** [September 5, 2009, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/choosing-a-tax-advisor-preparer/508992 "2009-09-05T21:29:55Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Reno\_Nevada](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Reno\_Nevada](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reno_Nevada)\
**Post date:** [September 5, 2009, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/choosing-a-tax-advisor-preparer/508992/1 "2009-09-05T21:29:55Z")

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So my wife and I would like to get someone to help with our taxes. What is the best way to choose one? I understand that H&R Block and the like are not worth talking to; is that right?

What is your opinion?

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**Author:** ![Dangerosa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/22d042/32.png) [@Dangerosa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dangerosa)\
**Post date:** [September 5, 2009, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/choosing-a-tax-advisor-preparer/508992/2 "2009-09-05T22:49:39Z")

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HR Block is probably not worth talking to.

Find an Enrolled Agent and/or CPA. If you have special tax needs, find one who works in your area. Like small business. Or stock. Or estate tax reduction. Or tax planning. Or…

References are usually best.