Sign of a Lousy Tax Preparer

Signs of a Lousy Tax Preparer

It’s almost that time of year again.

The 2014 tax filing season will be here before you know it.

I wanted to share some tips with you regarding finding a tax preparer.

I came across an article that I wanted to share about signs of a lousy tax preparer.

Source MSN – 5 signs of a lousy tax preparer

“Taxes are hard enough without having to deal with a lousy — or worse, unethical — tax preparer who could set you up for an unpleasant audit down the line.”

First sign of a lousy tax preparer is your preparer promises a big refund.

There is no way to know if your going to get a refund until the preparer looks at the documentation.

Second sign of a lousy tax preparer is the preparer doesn’t have the proper credentials.

Your preparer should have an IRS issued Preparer Tax Identication Number (PTIN).

Each year a preparer must renew this PTIN with the IRS.

Third sign of a lousy tax preparer is your refund is not deposited into your bank account.

There is no reason that your refund is sent to someone elses bank account.

Much fraud takes place with this kind of actions.

You may only receive part or none of your refund if this happens.

Fourth sign of a lousy tax preparer fee is based on a percentage of your refund.

We have had potential new clients ask us if the fees are based on their refund.

The answer here at Liberty Accounting Plus is no!

“Reputable tax-prep firms charge a flat fee for their services, based on the size and scope of your tax return.”

We agree!  You don’t want someone to play with the numbers so that you get a refund and they profit your return.

Most likely when the IRS finds the mistake the lousy preparer will be long gone.

Fifth sign of a lousy tax preparer is they are on the list at the Better Business Bureau with complaints.

The is a sure sign to run.

Becareful when choosing a tax preparer.

You want someone that you can find if you get a notice from the IRS, State and local goverment.

 

 

 

2014 Tax Season

 2014 Tax Season

With the governement shut the IRS was 90% closed for the entire 16 days.

Source IRS – 2014 Tax Season to Start Later Following Government Closure; IRS Sees Heavy Demand As Operations Resume 

The orginal start date for tax season for 2014 tax season was January 21st.

With the goverment shut down the delay could be a week or two.

The latest possible start date is February 4, for the 2014 tax season.

However, the last day of filing for 2014 tax season is April 15th.

“Readying our systems to handle the tax season is an intricate, detailed process, and we must take the time to get it right,” Werfel said. “The adjustment to the start of the filing season provides us the necessary time to program, test and validate our systems so that we can provide a smooth filing and refund process for the nation’s taxpayers. We want the public and tax professionals to know about the delay well in advance so they can prepare for a later start of the filing season.”

We wanted our clients to know about the possibility 2014 tax filing season delay.

We will update you again in December when the IRS plans to announce the actual start date.

As always refunds are issued you faster when you e-file with direct deposit.

You should still be preparing your documents and keeping receipts with 2014 tax season.