The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance announced Monday that it updated the Tax Preparers Consumer Bill of Rights to help New Yorkers protect themselves from dishonest practices. Some tax preparers use their position of power to request personal information, according to the department.
Protect yourself from a bad tax preparer. Tax preparers must now display taxpayers’ rights and meet other standards to ensure ethical service to customers. Read more: https://t.co/wRjf8urAF2
— NYS Tax Dept (@NYSTaxDept) February 14, 2022
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“While most tax return preparers are honest professionals, some take advantage of their position of trust and access to confidential information to swindle clients out of their hard-earned money,” said Acting Tax Commissioner and finance, Amanda Hiller.
TAX RETURN PREPARERS SHOULD:
- Show your registration certificate and price list.
- Tell you in advance if they will represent you if your return is audited.
- Ask you about income, expenses, and other information necessary to make an accurate statement.
- Allow you to review your completed statement to verify its accuracy.
- Give you a written statement of the interest and fees you may be charged if you choose a refund advance or refund transfer instead of using direct deposit.
- Sign the tax return and enter the tax identification number of the preparer.
- Provide a year-round address and phone number for questions or concerns.
- Provide a copy of the filed return
If any of these requirements are not met, you may file a complaint with the Office of Professional Responsibility. Tax preparers must also display the Tax Preparers Consumer Bill of Rights and provide a copy in booklet form.
Department of Revenue investigators will conduct compliance checks during filing season to ensure tax preparers meet these requirements. Tax preparers who fail to do so will be fined and could even face suspension from practice.
read our article How to spot a dishonest tax preparer? Pay attention to these red flags for more details.
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