Taxpayer Education and Awareness

Do’s and Don’ts

DO

• Do be sure to bring a copy of your last year’s tax return with you to give your tax preparer. This will serve as a starting point for the preparer to know what types of income and deductions you have.

• Do obtain a reference from a friend or trusted advisor for a reputable, experienced tax preparer when possible.  If a tax preparer does not have any reliable references, it could mean they have little experience.

• Do make sure your tax preparer offers you continuing support or contact information.  Failure to do so may mean they are not reputable.

• Before signing the return make sure the name, address, Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number are correct.  Also, review the list of deductibles and dependents and be sure you understand all of the information on the return.

• If you receive a letter from the IRS or Pennsylvania Department of Revenue and are asked to respond, you MUST.  If your preparer is not available and you are unsure how to respond, you should contact another tax preparer for assistance.

DON’T

• Don’t wait until the last minute to find a tax preparer.  It is best to find a preparer well before your return is due.  You can best assure the accuracy of your return by preparing it when you have more than enough time to do it.  The sooner you file, the sooner you will receive any refund you are due.

• Don’t be embarrassed to ask questions of your tax preparer.  It is important that you understand your return.  Even though you hire someone to prepare your return, the tax law says that you are ultimately responsible for the accuracy of your return.

• Never sign a blank return, nor sign a complete return in pencil.  The filed return should be completed with typeface or written in ink.

Information courtesy: Michigan Association of CPAs