Choosing a tax preparer is a risk-management decision, especially when your filing includes deductions you want to claim correctly, rental income, self-employment, or multiple income streams. For LIC Tax & Accounting Services in Long Island City, the real question isn’t whether they look busy—it’s whether their workflow, scope, and credential posture match your return before you share sensitive documents.
Here are five practical decisions to make while you verify fit, using concrete office signals such as their listed address (28-07 Jackson Ave fl 14, Long Island City, NY 11101), phone ((718) 362-3355), and their scheduling/initial consultation page (https://calendly.com/lictax/initial-phone-consultation). You can ask the same questions whether you file for the first time or you’re trying to improve how your records are organized for tax season.
1) Confirm scope: personal, business, and “special” filings aren’t interchangeable
LIC Tax’s public services list includes both individual tax preparation and business-related work (for example, business tax preparation, bookkeeping, payroll management, and rental property support). Before you book, match the scope of your return to what the firm can actually handle end-to-end.
What to ask in the first call
Ask them to describe the last few returns they prepared that resemble yours: 1040 with rental income vs. 1099 contractor income vs. multi-state issues. If they can’t quickly map your situation to prior work, you may want to reconsider or request a clearer document plan before sending anything.
2) Verify who reviews and signs your return—then ask what “review” means
Many filing problems aren’t math problems; they’re review problems. A strong preparer will be able to explain how they check the completeness and consistency of your information—especially items that can trigger IRS questions such as deductions, expenses, and reported income.
Key verification questions
Who ultimately signs the return? Is there a second-level review step before e-filing? If you provide documents in multiple formats (spreadsheets, PDFs, screenshots), how do they reconcile totals and ensure entries match the source documents?
3) Ask how the intake works: drop-off vs. virtual submissions vs. “missing” items
Even a competent tax professional can struggle if intake is unclear. Before you send your first document, confirm whether they accept drop-off, virtual submission, or both—and what their process looks like when something important is missing.
What you want to hear
Ask for their expectation timeline: when you send documents, when they start reviewing, and how they communicate follow-ups. If “we’ll figure it out later” is the answer, that’s a signal to tighten expectations.
4) Match your record needs to their services: bookkeeping, estimated taxes, and documentation
Tax preparation often depends on what your bookkeeping supports between filings. LIC Tax’s listed services include monthly bookkeeping, quarterly estimated tax support, and related tax advisory. If your tax situation changes mid-year (new contractor income, shifting rental cash flow, or state filing needs), a preparer who understands documentation flows can reduce scrambling at filing time.
Decide whether you need “tax prep only” or ongoing tax coordination
For example, if you’re self-employed or have rental activity, ask whether they can also help you organize records for future deductions and estimated taxes. The goal is not to buy extra services—it’s to ensure the process matches the nature of your return.
5) Use credential checks as a baseline, not an afterthought
Before engagement, use the IRS PTIN credential directory to verify that the preparer(s) assigned to your return hold valid credentials. While reviews and reputation matter, credentials determine whether the person preparing your return is authorized to do so. Their public footprint shows a strong client rating (reported as 5.0 from 50 reviewers), but you should still verify credentials and ask who will be responsible for filing.
One practical closing question
“After we review your documents, what will you need from me to finalize the return and proceed with e-filing?” Their answer should be specific—forms, statements, and deadlines—so you can avoid last-minute surprises.
LIC Tax & Accounting Services lists services across individual and business tax and related accounting support, but fit depends on your return’s details and the intake workflow. If you can confirm scope, review/sign-off practices, document handling, and credential responsibility up front, you’ll make a calmer, more informed decision before the filing deadline arrives.