6. How do you determine your fees, and can you explain them upfront?

Transparency is everything. Fees can be a flat rate, hourly, or based on the forms used. A major red flag is any preparer who bases their fee on a percentage of your refund. The IRS explicitly discourages this, as it can encourage risky, inflated claims.
- No Surprises: A clear, upfront fee structure fosters trust and eliminates awkward conversations when the bill arrives.
