title>Tax Guru-Ker$tetter Letter Wizard Animation

                 

Tax Guru-Ker$tetter Letter
Thursday, February 28, 2008
 
Tax Preparer Danger Signs

This latest news release from the Calif. Franchise Tax Board, titled "FTB Reminds Taxpayers to Select Tax Preparers Wisely" has some good advice, along with a link to download their brochure on how to select an income tax preparer.

The following part of the news release sounds like it could be part of a Letterman Top Ten list; but it is unfortunately a true indication of the quality (or lack of) with some people in our profession.


Some common signs that a tax preparer may be abusive include:

· Claiming they can get bigger refunds than other tax preparers. Someone unfamiliar with your financial situation cannot make such a guarantee.

· Basing their fee on a percentage of the refund amount rather than the complexity of the tax return.

· Filing schedules where the information is fraudulent or lacks documentation to support the income or deductions.

· Refusing to sign the tax return as the paid preparer or not providing a copy for the taxpayer’s records. The preparer is required by law to sign the return.

· Require you to sign a blank return or in pencil.

· The preparer is not properly licensed or registered.


 


 

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- posted by Kerry M. Kerstetter, MBA~CPA~ATP~ATA @ 2/28/2008 01:20:00 PM Send this post:

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