Thursday, March 10, 2016

Please make sure you know who is preparing your taxes.


Preparer Jailed for Defying Court Order http://www.theprogressiveaccountant.com/Tax/preparer-jailed-for-defying-court-order


Please please please be sure to check out your tax preparer.  You can check their IRS status here: http://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf you can look to see if the person doing your return is able to represent you if anything where to happen.  Remember a person can be an Attorney or a CPA and still not have tax experience, or even be barred from preparing returns.  This site will allow you to see if a person is legitimate and also will show what credentials they have.  There are 4 credentials accepted by the IRS

Attorney (licensed by States) - Tax Attorneys can represent you on any matter with the IRS
CPA (licensed by States) - CPAs can represent you on any matter with the IRS
Enrolled Agent (licensed by the IRS directly) - EAs can also represent you on any matter with the IRS
AFSP (Annual Filing Season Program) - this is a voluntary program that allows unlicensed preparers who earn a certain number of continuing education credits, these preparers have limited representation rights.

Read about the various credentials and qualifications of tax preparers here: https://www.irs.gov/Tax-Professionals/Understanding-Tax-Return-Preparer-Credentials-and-Qualifications

Do not be afraid to ask someone to see their license.  I keep mine on my desk so if anyone asks for it I can show it to them.  A professional tax preparer will not have a problem showing you their qualifications or allowing you to interview them.