Taxpayer Education and Awareness

Tips, Hints and Warning Signs

• Ask your return preparer to file your return electronically.  If you are due a refund, it will arrive more quickly.

• A paid tax preparer must complete the preparer section and sign the preparer line on the tax return.

• A signed return should not say “self-prepared.”

• The cost to prepare the tax return should not be based on the amount of your refund.

• Anyone advertising a guaranteed refund in advance may not be a reputable tax preparer.  Guaranteeing you a refund is improper, as not all taxpayers always receive a refund.

• The tax preparer should offer you an opportunity to ask questions about your return before you sign.

• The refund check, if there is one, should not be sent to, or be made payable to, the tax preparer.  It should be sent to the person listed on the return.  Direct deposit is best.

• You are responsible for the information provided in your return even if it is being prepared by someone else.

• You may owe additional tax, penalty and interest if your tax return is not properly completed.

Information courtesy: Michigan Association of CPAs