IRS Tips to Help You Choose a Tax Preparer

 

The IRS  recently published a list of tips to help choose a tax preparer. These tips include:

• Check the preparer's qualifications - All paid tax preparers are required to have a Preparer Tax Identification Number or PTIN. You can use the search tool here to check a preparer's credentials.
• Check the Better Business Bureau to see if the preparer has a history of complaints from clients.
• Ask the preparer to e-file your return.
• Never sign a blank tax return.

You can read the full article here.

Alternatively, you can find free tax help in Pasco county through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program. The TCE program helps those who are 60 years of age and older and they specialize in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors. You can look for nearby sites for help by going to this webpage: Free-Tax-Return-Preparation-for-You-by-Volunteers or by calling 211 (the Pasco County United Way helpline).

Print Tax Form Information

 

The IRS will not be sending the instruction booklets for the 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ to any libraries this year. They will only be sending the main forms to libraries. If you would like to get the print instructions, you can call or write to the IRS and they will send the booklets to your home. 
 
 You can order forms and instructions online here:

Forms and Publications by Mail

or call 1-800-829-3676 - to order tax products to be delivered by mail.

There will be free tax help in Pasco county through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program. The TCE program helps those who are 60 years of age and older and they specialize in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors. This assistance will start sometime near the end of January. You can look for nearby sites for help by going to this webpage: Free-Tax-Return-Preparation-for-You-by-Volunteers or by calling 211 (the Pasco County United Way helpline) at the end of January.