Before you hire a tax preparer:
- Ask for a written estimate of all fees
- Ask about the preparer's qualifications
- It may be helpful to ask for a written description of the services provided and the cost
A tax preparer should never do any of the following:
- Prepare your tax return without reviewing the appropriate documents and records
- Require you to sign a blank, incomplete, false, or incorrect return
- Require you to sign a return with information you do not understand
- Guarantee that you will receive a tax refund
- Guarantee that you will not be audited by the IRS or state taxing entity
When your return is complete:
- Review your entire return and ask questions before you sign
- Make sure the preparer signs and includes their PTIN
- You are entitled to get all your papers back, including a copy of all final returns
What is a Refund Anticipation Loan?
- A refund anticipation loan is optional - a tax preparer cannot require you to take out a refund anticipation loan or product
- A refund anticipation loan is a loan that allows the taxpayer to borrow money from the lender using an anticipated refund as collateral or security for the repayment of the loan
- You may or may not incur interest, fees or other costs when taking out a refund anticipation loan
- You are responsible for the full amount of the loan, even if it exceeds the amount of your refund
What is a Refund Anticipation Check?
- Refund anticipation checks are optional - a tax preparer cannot require you to use a refund anticipation check or product
- A refund anticipation check is a deferred payment option that permits a delayed payment for tax preparation services; the tax preparer will take the cost of the tax preparation services out of the taxpayer's refund
- For a refund anticipation check, the refund is deposited into a separate bank account created for the consumer
- Be mindful, there may be fees associated with setting up the bank account, getting pre-paid cards, or the check