This tax season, you should expect limited face-to-face operations, extremely high call volume, and processing delays, according to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). All of that, and still you have to deal with the pandemic-related tax law changes. Whew! It is a lot. That's why you will need expert help this year and the Internal Revenue Service admonishes to "choose a tax preparer with care." Laveniir is here for you.
"It's very important to select the right tax professional. After all, people trust them with their most sensitive personal and financial information. No matter who prepares it, the accuracy of a tax return is ultimately the responsibility of the taxpayer," says the IRS.
1
The IRS offers these guidelines in choosing a professional tax preparer:
- Paid preparers must sign and include their PTIN on the return. Not signing a return is a red flag that the paid preparer may be looking to make a quick profit by promising a big refund or charging fees based on the size of the refund.
- Well-intentioned taxpayers can be deceived by preparers who don't understand taxes or who mislead people into taking credits or deductions they aren't entitled to claim. Laveniir has more than 10 years of experience in professional tax preparation.
- Look for a preparer who is available year-round. In the event questions come up about a tax return, taxpayers may need to contact the preparer after the filing season is over. Laveniir is here to talk about your needs all year long.
- Inquire whether the tax return preparer has a professional credential (enrolled agent, certified public accountant, or attorney), belongs to a professional organization, or attends continuing education classes. Because tax law can be complex, competent tax return preparers remain up to date on tax topics. Laveniir offers tax workshops and has a law professional on staff who counsels on filing.
- Ask about service fees. Avoid preparers who base fees on a percentage of their client's refund or boast bigger refunds than their competition. Don't give tax documents, Social Security numbers, or other information to a preparer if merely inquiring about their services and fees. Unfortunately, some unscrupulous preparers have used this information to improperly file returns without the taxpayer's permission.
- Provide records and receipts. Good preparers ask to see these documents. They'll also ask questions to determine the client's total income, deductions, tax credits, and other items. Do not hire a preparer who e-files a tax return using a pay stub instead of a Form W-2. This is against IRS e-file rules.
- Understand representation rules. Attorneys, CPAs, and enrolled agents can represent any client before the IRS in any situation. Annual Filing Season Program participants may represent taxpayers in limited situations if they prepared and signed the tax return. Never sign a blank or incomplete return. Laveniir would never ask you to do so.
- Review the tax return before signing. Be sure to ask questions if something is not clear or appears inaccurate. Any refund should go directly to the taxpayer – not into the preparer's bank account.
- Ask for phone or virtual help. Visit Laveniir at www.Laveniir.com to complete a form for your free consultation.
- Be sure to check with the tax return preparer to see if there are any restrictions or additions to the services they provide because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Laveniir has answers for you.
2
We Have Secrets to Share With You: View Our Virtual Workshop
Do you want to know the secrets of the tax refund? Well, you'll have to watch Laveniir's tax workshop to find out. Tune in on Facebook to listen to expert tips on how to maximize your refund. This workshop is for anyone who has to file this year: employees, entrepreneurs, small business owners. Don't miss it!
Contact Laveniir today at www.Laveniir.com to set up your free consultation. Also, join the conversation on Facebook and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our blog to get the latest information on the tax season.
