If you use a paid preparer to file your 2012 federal income tax return, the IRS urges you to check their qualifications carefully. You are legally responsible for your return.
It's tax season and many people are turning to professionals to help them file their 2012 tax returns. IRS spokesman Richard Panick urges you to choose your preparer carefully, because you are legally responsible for what's on the return, no matter who prepared it.
He has ten tips to keep in mind:
1. Check the preparer's qualifications. all paid tax preparers are required to have a Preparer Tax Identification Number . In addition to making sure they have a PTIN, ask if he or she belongs to a professional organization and attends continuing education classes.
2. Check the preparer's history. Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if the tax professional has a questionable history. Also look for any disciplinary actions and for the status of their licenses. For certified public accountants, check with the state board of accountancy. For attorneys check with the state bar association. For enrolled agents, check with the IRS Office of Enrollment.
3. Ask about service fees. Avoid preparers who base their fees on a percentage of your refund - or those who claim they can get you a larger refund than other preparers can. Also, always make sure any refund due is sent to YOU or deposited in an account in YOUR name. Taxpayers should not deposit refunds into a preparer's bank account.
4. Ask to e-file your return. Make sure your preparer offers IRS e-file. Any paid preparer who prepares and files more than ten returns for clients must file the returns electronically, unless the client opts to file a paper return.
5. Make sure the preparer is accessible. Make sure you will be able to contact the tax preparer after you file your return, even after the April 15th due date. This may be helpful in the event questions arise about your return.
6. Provide records and receipts. Reputable preparers will ask to see your records and receipts. They will ask you questions to determine your total income ande your qualifications for deductions, credits and other items. Do NOT use a preparer who is willing to e-file your return by using your last pay stub before your receive your form W-2. This is against IRS e-file rules!
7. NEVER sign a blank return. Avoid tax preparers who ask you to sign a blank tax form.
8. Review the entire return and ask questions before you sign it. Make sure you understand everything and are comfortable with the accuracy of the return BEFORE you sign it.
9. Make sure the preparer signs and includes their PTIN. A paid preparer must sign the return, and include their PTIN, as required by law. The preparer must also give you a copy of the return.
10.Report abusive tax preparers to the IRS. You can report abusive tax preparers and suspected tax fraud to the IRS on Form 14157. Complaint: Tax Return Preparer.
If you suspect a return preparer filed or altered a return without your consent, you should file Form 14157-A, Return Preparer Fraud or Misconduct Affidavit. Download the forms at www.IRS.gov, or order them by calling 1-800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).
@
@
@
