Saturday Tax Advice

IS YOUR "TAX PREPARER" A "TAX PROFESSIONAL ?"

In most states anyone can hang out a shingle claiming to be a "Tax Preparation Service," without any licensing or certification of any kind.

Some of them are well informed and handle the task exceedingly well. But not all of them.

Congress is yielding to pressure from the IRS to implement a registration requirement of some kind.

Expect legislation later this year, but don't expect
it to take effect until AFTER the coming tax season.


E-FILING OR PAPER-FILING? SURPRISE: THE IRS DOESN'T WANT US TO HAVE A CHOICE

If you have my book and read my Tax Tips, you know I am NOT a fan of E-Filing of Tax Returns, because it robs you of audit-proofing options and increases your chances of an audit.

The BAD NEWS:
The IRS is pushing Congress to force all taxpayers to file returns electronically by 2011. But so far, it looks like the requirement will apply only to all tax preparers who process 100 or more tax returns.

The SOLUTION:
After our tax pro has finished his or her work for us, maybe we'll have to tell them: DON'T SIGN my tax return. That would still leave us the option of filing our OWN Tax Return as a PAPER return.


Lenisa
With Help for You Taxes