Choosing a tax preparer isn’t only about availability—it’s about whether their intake-to-filing workflow matches your return complexity, so your IRS filing is complete, reviewed, and ready to e-file with the documentation you actually have.
If you’re considering Advance Tax Services in Buffalo, use a “fit check” approach. It helps you get concrete answers during your first call—especially when sensitive personal and financial details are involved.
1) Confirm your return type matches their day-to-day work
Ask what kinds of returns they prepare most often and whether they’ve recently handled situations similar to yours. Advance Tax Services describes tax preparation and tax planning as core services, but your goal is to confirm your scenario fits their everyday workflow.
Fit check: If you have multiple income streams or special transactions, ask whether they’ve prepared that return type recently.
2) Identify who reviews and who signs before filing
When more than one person touches your information, the “reviewer” and the “signer” matter. During your first call, ask directly who reviews your full return and who signs it before anything is filed.
Fit check: If answers about review steps are vague—especially for deductions, credits, or business-related reporting—push for specifics.
3) Clarify documentation expectations for deductions and positions
Delays often happen when documentation expectations are unclear. Advance Tax Services’ online description includes tax planning and financial forensic investigation services alongside tax preparation, which can signal attention to substantiation. Still, you should confirm what proof they typically request for the deductions or tax positions you plan to claim.
Fit check: Ask them to list the typical documents they request for your return type and what they consider acceptable support.
4) Map the full workflow from intake to e-filing
Before you submit anything, ask what happens next: intake, review, follow-up questions, final check, and e-filing. The firm also references both in-person and remote-related options, so clarify what parts of the process can be handled without an office visit.
Fit check: Request a simple timeline explaining when you’ll hear back after submitting documents and when the return will be finalized.
5) Verify credentials using a primary/official source
Don’t rely on marketing language alone. For IRS-related work, ask for the preparer’s name and credential type, then verify through an official source such as the IRS PTIN directory.
Fit check: If credential details aren’t clearly provided during the first conversation, treat that as a warning sign.
6) Understand what “after you file” help looks like
Good support continues after submission. Advance Tax Services’ site references “Where is my Refund” for both IRS and NYS Taxation & Finance, which can help you understand how they may guide you with refund or processing status questions.
Fit check: Ask what support you can expect if you have questions about processing status—and what information the office needs to answer them.
7) Use local details to gauge responsiveness and fit
Logistics affect the experience. Advance Tax Services can be reached at (716) 563-8601. The address listed is 50 Fountain Plz 14th Floor Suite 1400, Buffalo, NY 14202, and the business notes a strong review signal online: 5.0 from 12 reviewers.
Fit check: Ask if they’re currently taking new clients for your return type, how document submission is handled, and when you can expect a first review after intake.
How to run these fit checks in one conversation
To keep the call efficient, be ready with a quick snapshot: your prior year return (if available), your W-2s and 1099s for the current year, and any records supporting major deductions or credits. If you have business or other special income, summarize the situation so the office can route you to the right workflow.
Then ask the seven questions in an order that reflects your priorities: start with workflow and review/signature, follow with documentation expectations, then confirm credential clarity and what support looks like after filing. By the end, you should be able to clearly explain who reviews, who signs, what proof is required, and how the office handles both the e-file process and follow-up.
Bottom line: Use these fit checks as a workflow-and-credential verification step. A good preparer should describe their process clearly—intake to e-file, reviewer/signature responsibility, substantiation expectations, and refund/status support—so you can move forward with confidence.