New York State Department of Taxation and Finance December 29, 2020
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Noncompliant Tax Preparers Fined Nearly $3.8 Million in 2020NYS Tax Department reminds taxpayers to verify preparer credentials before providing personal information |
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The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today announced it has issued $3,790,400 in fines to noncompliant tax preparers this year. Each year, tax return preparers must register with New York State before engaging in any tax return preparation services or filing tax returns with the department. Those who fail to comply with New York’s registration program may be subject to steep monetary penalties or other administrative action. In all, 19 tax preparers were fined because they didn’t register with New York State, pay the annual registration fee, sign tax returns they prepared, or file returns electronically. “New York State has been a national leader in establishing high standards for tax return preparers,” said New York State Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Michael Schmidt. “While most tax practitioners are responsible professionals, we’re committed to protecting taxpayers from those who are incompetent or unethical.” Check your preparer’s credentials Over 15,000 tax return preparers have already completed the required education and annual registration application and paid any applicable registration fees. You can verify your preparer’s credentials by asking to see their registration certificate or proof that they don’t need to register. You can also verify that a tax preparer is registered online. We closely monitor tax preparer activity throughout the year and expect them to adhere to our training requirements while operating in a professional manner. In addition to the requirements outlined above, tax preparers must also:
Penalties for noncompliant preparers If you suspect that a tax preparer is engaging in illegal or improper conduct, please file a complaint with the NYS Tax Department: • on our website, or The Tax Department will review your complaint promptly and, if appropriate, take corrective action that may include sanctions. More information Publication 58, Information for Income Tax Return Preparers |
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