New York State Department of Taxation and Finance January 30, 2019
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Tips for Hiring a Trustworthy Tax PreparerChecklist can help you hire a qualified and honest tax professional |
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The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today provided a checklist to help taxpayers choose a qualified, honest, and timely tax professional. Shop around Friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers may be able to refer you to an ethical and competent tax preparer. Check credentials New York State registered preparers must meet continuing education requirements and minimum qualifications. Attorneys, certified public accountants, and IRS enrolled agents aren’t required to register, but do have other professional requirements. Ask to see the preparer’s registration certificate or proof that he or she isn’t required to register. You can also verify that a tax preparer is registered online. Ask about fees Ask to see a list of fees up front. The fees should be directly related to the services provided and not the refund amount. Tax preparers in New York City are required to display their fees, as well as their credentials, in plain sight. Also, by law, preparers cannot charge to e-file in New York State. Protect your refund A refund should never be deposited into a preparer's bank account. The fastest and safest way to receive your refund is to have it directly deposited into your bank account. Ensure security It’s critical your private information is protected. Question any potential preparer about how your sensitive data will be safeguarded, as well as how many people will have access to your files. Look for red flags Never hire a preparer who won’t sign your return, and never sign a return before it’s fully prepared. You and your preparer must both sign your completed return. Preparers must include their federal preparer tax identification number (PTIN) or Social Security number on the return, and either their New York State registration number or exclusion code. Beware of preparers who say they will prepare your return for a percentage of the refund. If a tax preparer won’t provide information about fees, this should tip you off that something isn’t right. Never hire a preparer who promises a large refund without reviewing your information, and steer clear of those who suggest you claim a bogus deduction or credit. In the end, you’re responsible for the information on your return and can be held accountable if it’s inaccurate or fraudulent. For additional information, visit Tips for hiring a tax preparer. If you suspect that a tax preparer is engaged in illegal or improper conduct, please file a complaint with the NYS Tax Department:
The Tax Department will review your complaint promptly and, if appropriate, take corrective action that may include sanctions. |
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