FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM FEBRUARY 7, 2019 • THE QUEENS COURIER 23
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Be sure to hire a trustworthy tax preparer
Th e New York State Department of
Taxation and Finance provided a checklist
to help taxpayers choose a qualifi ed,
honest, and timely tax professional.
While the overwhelming majority of
paid preparers are honest and competent,
some unethical preparers will use their
access to sensitive taxpayer information
to prey on unsuspecting New Yorkers to
line their own pockets.
“Th e Tax Department off ers a variety
of free fi ling options, including tax assistance
locations statewide, to help you
prepare and e-fi le your tax return without
the added cost of hiring a professional,”
said acting Taxation and Finance
Commissioner Nonie Manion. “If you do
decide to hire a tax preparer, please use
this checklist to help protect your confi -
dential information and keep any refund
due from falling into the wrong hands.”
Shop around
Friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers
may be able to refer you to an ethical
and competent tax preparer.
Meet with all the tax professionals
you’re considering hiring. It’s important
to know if they’ve worked with others in
similar tax situations, how long they’ve
been preparing returns, and how you’ll
communicate moving forward.
You can also read reviews from previous
clients, if available. Th is will help you
get a sense of the quality of the preparer’s
work, their timeliness, and customer
service.
Check credentials
New York State registered preparers
must meet continuing education requirements
and minimum qualifications.
Attorneys, certifi ed public accountants,
and IRS enrolled agents aren’t required
to register, but do have other professional
requirements. Ask to see the preparer’s registration
certifi cate or proof that he or she
isn’t required to register. You can also verify
that a tax preparer is registered online.
Ask about fees
Ask to see a list of fees up front. Th e fees
should be directly related to the services
provided and not the refund amount. Tax
preparers in New York City are required to
display their fees, as well as their credentials,
in plain sight. Also, by law, preparers
cannot charge to e-fi le in New York State.
Protect your refund
A refund should never be deposited
into a preparer’s bank account. Th e fastest
and safest way to receive your refund
is to have it directly deposited into your
bank account.
Ensure security
It’s critical your private information is
protected. Question any potential preparer
about how your sensitive data will be safeguarded,
as well as how many people will
have access to your fi les.
Look for red fl ags
Never hire a preparer who won’t sign
your return, and never sign a return before
it’s fully prepared. You and your preparer
must both sign your completed return.
Preparers must include their federal preparer
tax identifi cation number (PTIN) or
Social Security number on the return, and
either their New York State registration
number or exclusion code.
Beware of preparers who say they will
prepare your return for a percentage of
the refund. If a tax preparer won’t provide
information about fees, this should tip you
off that something isn’t right. Never hire
a preparer who promises a large refund
without reviewing your information, and
steer clear of those who suggest you claim
a bogus deduction or credit.
In the end, you’re responsible for the
information on your return and can be held
accountable if it’s inaccurate or fraudulent.
For additional information, visit tax.
ny.gov. If you suspect that a tax preparer
is engaged in illegal or improper conduct,
fi le a complaint with the NYS Tax
Department on their website or call 518-
530-HELP.
Th e Tax Department will review your
complaint promptly and, if appropriate,
take corrective action that may include
sanctions.
From the NYS Department of Taxation
and Finance
tax tips
Louis Carino Year
Round
Service
TAX ACCOUNTANT- FINANCIAL PLANNER
"Over 20 Years Of Personalized Service"
• Preparation of all business
& personal returns
• Bookkeeping & payroll
services available
• E-file provider
Tel. (718) 767-6597
Fax. (718) 747-6149
Cell (917) 373-5975
LJC@loucarino.com
166-26 Powells Cove Blvd. • Ste 4D • Beechhurst, NY 11357
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