“While most tax return preparers are honest professionals, some take advantage of their position of trust and access to sensitive information to scam customers out of their hard-earned money,” said Acting Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Amanda Hiller. “Before hiring a tax preparer, I urge taxpayers to take steps to protect themselves, such as by making sure their preparer follows ethical practices and recently enhanced rules of conduct.”
Tax return preparers must:
post their New York State Tax Preparer Registration Certificate and price list;
tell you up front whether they will represent you if your return is audited later;
ask you about your income, expenses, family, and any other information or documents needed to accurately complete your return;
allow you to review your completed return – including your bank account information – and ask questions before you sign it;
give you a written statement of any interest and fees you will be charged if you choose a refund anticipation loan (refund advance) or a refund anticipation check (refund transfer) instead of having your refund deposited directly into your bank account;
sign your tax return and enter the preparer tax identification number (PTIN) and New York tax preparer…
