If someone helps you do your taxes, you’re not alone. The IRS asks you to choose your tax return preparer wisely \u2013 for good reason. You are responsible for the information on your income tax return. That\u2019s true no matter who prepares your return. Here are ten tips to keep in mind when choosing a tax preparer:<\/p>\n
1. Check the Preparer\u2019s Qualifications. Use the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications on IRS.gov. This tool can help you find a tax return preparer with the qualifications that you prefer. The Directory is a searchable and sortable listing of certain preparers registered with the IRS. It includes the name, city, state and zip code of:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Attorneys.
\n\u2022 CPAs.
\n\u2022 Enrolled Agents.
\n\u2022 Enrolled Retirement Plan Agents.
\n\u2022 Enrolled Actuaries.
\n\u2022 Annual Filing Season Program participants.<\/p>\n
Attorneys, CPAs and enrolled agents can represent any client before the IRS in any situation. However, new rules apply to the rights of non-credentialed tax preparers to represent their clients before the IRS. Non-credentialed preparers without an Annual Filing Season Program \u2013 Record of Completion \u2013 may only prepare tax returns. The new rules do not allow them to represent clients before the IRS on any returns prepared and filed after December 31, 2015. Annual Filing Season Program participants can represent clients in limited situations. For more, visit IRS.gov and see the Understanding Tax Return Preparer Credentials and Qualifications page.<\/p>\n
2. Check the Preparer\u2019s History. Ask the Better Business Bureau about the preparer. Check for disciplinary actions and the license status for credentialed preparers. For CPAs, check with the State Board of Accountancy. For attorneys, check with the State Bar Association. For Enrolled Agents, go to IRS.gov and search for \u201cverify enrolled agent status\u201d or check the Directory.<\/p>\n
3. Ask about Service Fees. Avoid preparers who base fees on a percentage of their client\u2019s refund. Also avoid those who boast bigger refunds than their competition. Make sure that your refund goes directly to you \u2013 not into your preparer\u2019s bank account.<\/p>\n
4. Ask to E-file Your Return. Make sure your preparer offers IRS e-file. Paid preparers who do taxes for more than 10 clients generally must file electronically. The IRS has safely processed more than 1.5 billion e-filed tax returns.<\/p>\n
5. Make Sure the Preparer is Available. You may want to contact your preparer after this year\u2019s April 18 due date. Avoid fly-by-night preparers.<\/p>\n
6. Provide Records and Receipts. Good preparers will ask to see your records and receipts. They\u2019ll ask questions to figure your total income, tax deductions, credits, etc. Do not use a preparer who will e-file your return using your last pay stub instead of your Form W-2. This is against IRS e-file rules.<\/p>\n
7. Never Sign a Blank Return. Don\u2019t use a tax preparer that asks you to sign a blank tax form.<\/p>\n
8. Review Your Return Before Signing. Before you sign your tax return, review it and ask questions if something is not clear. Make sure you\u2019re comfortable with the accuracy of the return before you sign it.<\/p>\n
9. Ensure the Preparer Signs and Includes Their PTIN. All paid tax preparers must have a Preparer Tax Identification Number, or PTIN. By law, paid preparers must sign returns and include their PTIN. Be sure you get a copy of your return.<\/p>\n
10. Report Abusive Tax Preparers to the IRS. Most tax return preparers are honest and provide great service to their clients; however, some preparers are dishonest. Report abusive tax preparers and suspected tax fraud to the IRS. Use Form 14157, Complaint: Tax Return Preparer. If you suspect a return preparer filed or changed the return without your consent, you should also file Form 14157-A, Return Preparer Fraud or Misconduct Affidavit. You can get these forms on IRS.gov at any time.<\/p>\n
Each and every taxpayer has a set of fundamental rights they should be aware of when dealing with the IRS. These are your Taxpayer Bill of Rights. Explore your rights and our obligations to protect them on IRS.gov.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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