By signing your 1040 form, you agree to abide by the tax law that holds you responsible for paying your taxes, regardless of who prepares your return. When it comes to collecting on mistakes, innocent or otherwise, the Internal Revenue Service looks for the taxpayer, not the person who filled out the forms.

So before you turn your tax life over to someone else, make sure that the preparer is right for you and will do the right thing when it comes to filing your taxes.

Credentials count
The easiest way to ensure you have a reputable preparer is to get one who is accredited, says Cindy Hockenberry, an enrolled agent and spokeswoman for the National Association of Tax Professionals.

Look for a certified public accountant, an Enrolled Agent or a tax attorney.

"Typically, these preparers are required to maintain continuing education credits to maintain their designation," notes Hockenberry. "This is a real plus for the taxpayers because they will have some additional security knowing the preparer they chose is up to date on the latest tax law changes."

Dig a little deeper
Once you locate a preparer with good credentials, dig a little deeper into his or her background. Find out how long he or she has been in the tax preparation business, Hockenberry says, and what services are provided.

In addition, find out if the preparer belongs to any professional organizations. "This indicates a dedication to their chosen profession," says Hockenberry.

Rely on references
References are easiest to check when you use a preparer recommended by family and friends. If you select someone totally new to you, don't be afraid to ask for references and follow up with them to see if they are satisfied with the service.

Comparison shop
Hockenberry also recommends checking the preparer's fee before any work is done. "This will eliminate any surprises when you go to pick up your return," she notes, "and will also tell you if the preparer overcharges in comparison to other preparers in your geographic location."

Year-round accessibility
And since tax issues can pop up anytime, find a preparer who will be around, with regular office hours, after the April filing deadline. "There is nothing more frustrating for a taxpayer than when he or she cannot reach the preparer during the year," says Hockenberry.

Most of the large tax preparation firms have Web sites detailing franchise locations and operation hours. If you decide to use an independent preparer, you can search by ZIP code the National Association of Tax Professionals' member database to find a preparer near you.