Look in the yellow pages under “Tax Preparers” and pay attention to those with “EA” after their name. Unlike CPAs, whose primary training is in “accounting rules”, Enrolled Agents are primarily trained in the rules of taxation. Also, EAs have the highest requirement for tax specific continuing education.
One becomes an EA by passing a difficult 2 day test or by working as an Officer for IRS. Unlike unenrolled preparers wo, except in CA & OR are under no state oversight, EAs are subject to oversight by Dept of Treasury’s Office of Professional Responsibility.
Finally, EAs tend to charge a little less than CPAs. For more info on Enrolled Agents, Search the Web.
Above all, stay away from national chains; they are a crapshoot as to whether you’ll get a competent preparer or not.
Good luck!
As an enrolled agent, I may be biased but We SpEAk Tax.
I would ask around to trusted colleagues for advice on who they go through for taxes. They will probably be a better recommendation of a professional than anyone here or the phone book.
I am an accountant, thus biased, but the CPA firms would be a good place to look. CPA firms usually have the resources and they see multi-state returns on a regular basis. Don’t be afraid to call around and consult before you go on board and start paying someone who you don’t feel uncomfortable around.
Anyways, whatever you decide, good luck.