Do you file a Schedule C, Profit or Loss From Business or Schedule E, Supplemental Income or Loss (From Real Estate or Partnerships)? If so, you will notice there are 2 simple questions that have been added to these forms. They are:

“Did you make any payments that would require you to file Form(s) 1099?”

“If “Yes,” did you or will you file all required Forms 1099?”

While these questions may seem immaterial, they deserve to be examined closer.

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The IRS has published 10 tips to help you choose a paid tax preparer to file your return this year. Even if a return is prepared by someone else, the taxpayer is legally responsible for what’s on it. So, it’s very important to choose your tax preparer carefully. Here are the IRS’s top ten tips to keep in mind when choosing a tax return preparer:

1. Check the preparer’s qualifications. New regulations require all paid tax return preparers to have a Preparer Tax Identification Number. In addition to making sure they have a PTIN, ask if the preparer is affiliated with a professional organization and attends continuing education classes.

2. Check on the preparer’s history. Check to see if the preparer has a questionable history with the Better Business Bureau and check for any disciplinary actions and licensure status through the state boards of accountancy for certified public accountants; the state bar associations for attorneys; and the IRS Office of Enrollment for enrolled agents.

3. Ask about their service fees. Avoid preparers who base their fee on a percentage of your refund or those who claim they can obtain larger refunds than other preparers.

4. Ask if they offer electronic filing. Any paid preparer who prepares and files more than 10 returns for clients must file the returns electronically. More than 1 billion individual tax returns have been safely and securely processed since the debut of electronic filing in 1990. Make sure your preparer offers IRS e-file.

5. Make sure the tax preparer is accessible. Make sure you will be able to contact the tax preparer after the return has been filed, even after the April due date, in case questions arise.

6. Provide all records and receipts needed to prepare your return. Reputable preparers will request to see your records and receipts and will ask you multiple questions to determine your total income and your qualifications for expenses, deductions and other items.

7. Never sign a blank return. Avoid tax preparers that ask you to sign a blank tax form.

8. Review the entire return before signing it. Before you sign your tax return, review it and ask questions. Make sure you understand everything and are comfortable with the accuracy of the return before you sign it.

9. Make sure the preparer signs the form and includes their PTIN. A paid preparer must sign the return and include their PTIN as required by law. Although the preparer signs the return, you are responsible for the accuracy of every item on your return. The preparer must also give you a copy of the return.

10. Report abusive tax preparers to the IRS. You can report abusive tax preparers and suspected tax fraud to the IRS on Form 14157, Complaint: Tax Return Preparer.

Recently we helped a client survive an Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) Audit. Ultimately, we got a very good outcome.  The taxpayer owed $219.  That's as close to "No Change" as you can get! more…

Every year the IRS must adjust the dollar amounts of a variety of provisions which affect every taxpayer, to keep pace with inflation. New dollar amounts affecting 2012 returns, filed by most taxpayers in early 2013 include the following: more…

Annual Exclusion

Taxpayers are allowed to gift up to $13,000 per year to an unlimited number of people without having to file a gift tax return or pay a gift tax. If the amount goes over $13,000 to any one individual, then a gift tax return must be filed. This is done on IRS Form 709, United States Gift Tax Return. Connecticut taxpayers required to file a federal gift tax return would be required to file Form CT-706/709. The returns are due on April 15. A six month extension of time is granted automatically if an extension of time to file is requested for your individual income tax return. This is done on Form 4868. Taxable gifts above the annual exclusion reduce the federal estate tax exclusion amount when someone passes away. There are a few additional opportunities to gift beyond the annual exclusion without having to file a gift tax return. more…