Find the person behind the work description
Ask who would examine records, prepare a return, communicate with an authority, or handle the specific responsibility under discussion. Those tasks can require different authorization and qualifications. Use appropriate official resources to check the information supplied. A business name, a website design, or a general credential phrase does not tell you which person is responsible for your particular proposed task.
Connect the verification to the actual engagement
Clarify the covered account and periods, how private records would be exchanged, and how changes or later notices would be handled. Ask how the professional’s relevant role and authority to act are established before signing an authorization. Keep the written scope distinct from a general promise about tax outcomes. The IRS choosing-a-tax-professional resource supplies useful background, but it does not endorse a provider linked here. This website cannot independently verify a proposed professional or establish that an initial conversation creates representation.