Get help preparing your taxes

Individual Tax Season: News & Notices

Feb. 6, 2024


1-minute, 32-second read

Get help preparing your taxes

When choosing a tax professional, it’s important to find someone who is qualified and trustworthy. Keep in mind that you are legally responsible for the information on your return and any penalties as a result.

CPA vs. Enrolled Agent

There are two types of tax preparers: CPAs and Enrolled Agents.

CPAs are licensed professionals who handle complex tax situations.

Enrolled Agents are federally licensed tax preparers who offer a variety of services. If you’re considering an Enrolled Agent, ask if they will provide advice and service in the event of an audit.

Fees vs. Taxes

Be sure to understand the difference between what you owe in tax preparation fees and what you owe in taxes when choosing a tax professional.

What to Bring

Follow up with your tax professional prior to your appointment to ensure you bring all necessary documents.


Power of Attorney 

Consider granting Power of Attorney to your tax practitioner to speak with DOR on your behalf about your state taxes. It would also be helpful to give your tax practitioner electronic access to your Indiana tax information via INTIME, DOR’s e-services portal.

Although an electronic Power of Attorney (ePOA) request is separate from a Form POA-1 request, DOR considers the two as equivalent for the purpose of discussing tax matters. Granting an ePOA allows a tax practitioner to view your INTIME account(s) (individual and business) and payment history, provide necessary documents, and access your letters and messages with DOR. An ePOA ensures the security of your INTIME account. For more information, refer to the INTIME Tax Center webpage.

Important dates

File and pay your state and federal tax returns by Monday, April 15, 2024.

Self-service in INTIME

Message customer service, pay a bill, find your return, and more on INTIME.

Tax Advocate Office

DOR’s Taxpayer Advocate Office (TAO) assists customers in fixing problems that have not been settled through other DOR programs and is a final resource to resolve customer issues.

Issues resolved by TAO include:

To request assistance from TAO with an issue that hasn’t been resolved by DOR, complete and submit Form TAO-PRP. Visit the TAO webpage for more information.

Resources

You can find tax preparers through the Indiana CPA Society or the Indiana Society of Enrolled Agents. See tips on how to find a tax preparer.

Check out these additional Individual tax resources.