Picking a tax preparer is mostly a workflow decision. For Buffalo taxpayers weighing whether to work with Buffalo Tax Strategies, the key question isn’t whether the office “does taxes,” but whether their intake process, credentials, and documentation expectations match the type of return you’re filing.
In public signals for Buffalo Tax Strategies, you can start with basics like rating_and_reviews: "4.8 from 84 reviewers", the local address 3849 Delaware Ave REAR Suite, Buffalo, NY 14217, and the phone (716) 320-1829. The firm also provides an appointment booking page at http://buffalotaxstrategies.com/booking, which is a good place to confirm who is available and how appointments are scheduled.
Use the fit checks below before you send documents—especially if you have deductions, credits, or business income that need careful substantiation.
1) Confirm they handle your exact return type (not just “general taxes”)
Ask what they prepare most often and what they have trouble with. For example: are they routinely filing individual returns, or do they also handle business returns and bookkeeping-related reporting? Buffalo Tax Strategies’ booking page highlights tax professionals who focus on individual returns and small business bookkeeping. Still, you should verify the specific “species” of your return (W-2 only, self-employed, landlord activity, or a mix of forms) and whether they’ve worked with your situation recently.
2) Ask who prepares your return and who signs off before e-filing
Before you share sensitive documents, confirm the chain of responsibility. Many offices have one person collecting documents and another person reviewing or signing. You want to know whether the preparer who talks with you is also the person who performs the return work and signs for the filing. This matters for accuracy and for your ability to resolve questions later with the same contact.
What to listen for
A clear answer includes names or roles and a description of the review step before e-file submission.
3) Test their documentation expectations for deductions and credits
Every deduction and credit should have an evidentiary trail. A practical way to assess this is to ask, “What documents do you expect for the deductions/credits I’m considering?” If you’re planning to claim common items—like business expenses, home-related expenses, or other tax positions—see whether the office requests source documents rather than “summaries” or vague descriptions.
If their expectations feel fuzzy, that’s a warning sign. If they tell you exactly what they need (and what they don’t), that’s a sign you’re working with a workflow that supports IRS-style documentation.
4) Clarify how documents are collected and when you get a chance to review
Even the most qualified tax preparer can run into problems if documents arrive late or if the review step doesn’t happen. Ask how you will provide paperwork (for example, whether you can schedule an appointment through the firm’s booking page) and whether there’s a pre-filing review where you can spot-check key numbers.
Also ask about timing: when you should submit information, how long the office typically takes to prepare the return, and what happens if something is missing.
5) Verify credentials before you share sensitive tax information
Credentials aren’t just marketing—they affect how confidently the preparer can interpret your facts and manage IRS reporting details. From the firm’s booking page, you can see that team members include an IRS Enrolled Agent and professionals with experience that may be relevant to both individuals and small business bookkeeping. You should still confirm the individual who will work on your return and whether they hold the appropriate credential for your needs.
If you want an extra safety check, verify preparer information through the IRS preparer directory before finalizing engagement.
6) Ask how they handle follow-up if the IRS has questions
No one can promise outcomes with the IRS. But a good workflow includes a plan for responding to notices, correcting issues, or addressing clarifying questions. Ask what the office does if you receive an IRS letter after filing and what documentation they would need to respond.
If the office can explain their process clearly—who reviews the situation and how they communicate with clients—that’s a practical indicator of preparedness.
Ready to decide?
If you’re considering Buffalo Tax Strategies, start with the concrete basics (address, phone, and the official booking page) and then confirm fit using the workflow questions above. A strong first call should make it easy to understand who prepares and signs, what documents are required for your deductions and credits, and how review and follow-up work. When those pieces align, you can share your tax information with much less uncertainty.