While some people toil over complicated tax forms, others ship their paperwork off to a professional to do the work for them. Using a paid preparer can make life easier for taxpayers, but how do you know if you're getting your money's worth?

According to finance experts, there is no simple answer. People need to understand that not all tax preparers offer the same level of service, but there can be red flags indicating when your money may be better spent elsewhere. Once you have that knowledge, you'll be in a good position to judge whether your preparer is doing his or her job at a fair price.

[See: Answers to 7 Burning Tax Questions .]

Use the following expert-approved tactics to avoid getting ripped off this tax season .

Assess tax chains versus other preparers. Taxpayers have several options when it comes to hiring a tax professional. They may go to a tax preparation franchise such as H&R Block, Liberty Tax Service or Jackson Hewitt. "A lot of people in these national chains go through an in-house school," says Paul Joseph, a CPA, attorney and owner of Joseph & Joseph Tax and Payroll in Williamston, Michigan. "Front-line workers may have only a year or two of experience."

Other tax preparers work independently. These individuals may or may not be accountants , and the IRS doesn't require non-credentialed return preparers to have any specific formal education. However, preparers who aren't certified public accountants, enrolled agents, attorneys or participants in the annual filing season program can only file returns and cannot represent clients before the IRS in the event of an audit. To determine whether a tax preparer has specific credentials, you can search the IRS Directory of Federal Return Preparers.

Another option for taxpayers is using an accounting firm or similar practice. These businesses typically have vetted employees who may have more experience than those found at the national chains. Jeff Fosselman, a CPA and senior wealth advisor with Relative Value Partners in Northbrook, Illinois, says big firms may have a focus on wealthy or business clients. "An individual might be getting the junior worker," he says. For more personalized attention, people might be better served by using a credentialed solo practitioner or a small firm with several years of experience in tax preparation.

Set expectations. Just as tax preparers have different levels of education and experience, they provide various levels of service. To gauge whether your tax preparer is worth his or her fee, you need to understand the type of service provided.

"Different individuals are seeking different things," Fosselman says. Someone who only wants their annual forms completed and submitted may find national chains or independent non-credentialed preparers are affordable options. However, taxpayers shouldn't expect any additional services, such as audit assistance, unless they pay extra.

Accounting firms and CPAs may offer more comprehensive services such as tax planning advice, quarterly tax payments and audit representation. However, Barbara Taibi, a partner in the Personal Wealth Advisors Group of EisnerAmper in Iselin, New Jersey, says people shouldn't assume all those services come with their tax preparation. "It's important that an engagement letter be signed so there are no surprises ," she says. "If you were dealing with a firm that didn't have that, I would be concerned."

In addition to clarifying which services will be provided, taxpayers should understand how a firm bills its clients. Some charge a flat fee that covers all services for a tax year, while others bill hourly.

Meet in person. While CPAs and tax firms may not provide uniform services, at least one thing is standardized at most practices. "[Taxpayers] should expect to have a meeting with the CPA," says Mary Ellen Hancock, vice president and senior wealth strategist at financial services firm PNC Wealth Management. That's true even for existing clients. "Things change over the year."

[See: 7 Most-Missed Tax Deductions and Credits .]

Depending on how the practice is run, a preparer might use this meeting to become familiar with a person's tax situation, or he or she may complete the return while the taxpayer is present. Either way, the meeting provides an opportunity for questions to be asked and answered on both sides. "Dropping off some paperwork is probably not a good plan until the CPA gets to know you," Joseph says.

Although an initial meeting is considered standard practice, Hancock says people shouldn't necessarily expect a follow-up meeting to review the finished tax forms . That may only be provided if requested and could garner an additional fee.

Beware of red flags for substandard service. A biennial study from the National Society of Accountants found tax preparation fees from 2016 to 2017 depended on geographic region and the type of services provided. However, nationally, the study found that the average price for an itemized Form 1040 with Schedule A and a state return was $273 and the average price for a Form 1040 with standard deductions and a state return was $176. On the other hand, the study found that the average price for an itemized 1040 with Schedule C business income and a state return was $457.

Some preparers might charge a flat fee while others may bill per form or service. Since pricing methods can vary widely, it can be difficult to use cost alone as a gauge for value. Instead, people should consider what services they receive from their preparer and look for potential red flags .

"If you are constantly owing, that might be a red flag," Hancock says. That's particularly true if the amount owed is substantial or results in penalties for underpayment.

What's more, taxpayers should be wary of unscrupulous preparers. "I'd be very concerned if you have someone recommending you take tax deductions you're not comfortable with," Taibi says. While the preparer is filling out the form, Taibi reminds people they will be held responsible for any false claims made on a return they sign.

[See: 10 Smart Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund .]

If you dread filling out tax forms, a professional preparer can be a life-saver. However, before you pay him or her any of your hard-earned money, make sure you understand what services will be provided and whether those are enough to make your pro worth the price.

Compare Offers

Compare Offers