Tax Filing Season: Expert Advice
Are you among the many who haven’t yet filed your taxes? If so, you’re definitely not alone. Due to recent layoffs at the IRS, filing electronically is highly recommended to help avoid potential delays and complications.
If you choose to enlist the services of a tax preparer, experts strongly advise performing thorough due diligence. Amber Gabourel, an IRS-enrolled agent known as “Amber the Tax Lady,” offers crucial advice in this regard.
“Just because your friend or family member recommended someone, check the IRS website,” Gabourel said. “They have a tax pro directory where you can search for the preparer’s last name and zip code. If they appear in the IRS directory, you know they’ve invested in continued education to stay current with tax laws.”
Gabourel, who owns Whitehead Tax and Financial Services, emphasizes the importance of verifying the preparer’s credentials.
“Make sure your preparer puts their name and Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) on your return,” she said. “The PTIN number is like a Social Security number for tax preparers. If you don’t see their name or PTIN, you should be cautious because they may be considered ‘ghost preparers.’ If issues arise with your return, you might not be able to locate them—hence the term ‘ghost preparer.'”
Gabourel stresses that if anything in your paperwork seems amiss, you shouldn’t hesitate to ask questions. She highlights the importance of careful review: “Once you sign off on that, you’re essentially confirming that you’ve checked the return thoroughly and that everything is accurate to the best of your knowledge.”
The IRS and other tax experts suggest adding an extra layer of security to your tax filing by creating an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN). An IP PIN helps safeguard against someone else filing a fraudulent return using your Social Security number. You can obtain an IP PIN through the IRS website by verifying your identity by uploading a government ID.
Consumer Reporter Caitlin Burchill experienced an issue when trying to obtain her IP PIN. She found that even after taking multiple photos of her driver’s license, they were rejected because the images were too blurry. Fortunately, uploading a picture of her passport was much easier.
It’s vital to accurately include the IP PIN on your tax return to avoid problems.
