IRS Return Preparer Initiative

UltimateTax Online Continues to Serve Tax Preparers for Extended Tax Season

Retrieved on:

Wednesday, April 7, 2021

Taxation in the United States, Internal Revenue Service, Tax preparation in the United States, Tax, IRS tax forms, Government, Preparer Tax Identification Number, IRS Return Preparer Initiative

Because of this extension, tax preparers are also anticipating a longer tax season.

Key Points:

Because of this extension, tax preparers are also anticipating a longer tax season.
Since the 2012 season, UltimateTax has been helping tax preparers in all 50 states streamline their workflow.
What's more, tax preparers using this software can file unlimited 1040 forms, which is going to come in handy with the extended tax deadline.
Built by a team of tax preparers, this company is the ultimate "for the tax preparers by the tax preparers" company.

USAGov's Five Tips for the 2021 Tax Season

Retrieved on:

Thursday, February 11, 2021

Taxation in the United States, Tax, Government, Internal Revenue Service, Free File, USA.gov, Tax return, IRS Return Preparer Initiative, IRS tax forms

Access the IRS Free File tool to see if you can start your tax return electronically.

Key Points:

Access the IRS Free File tool to see if you can start your tax return electronically.
You are entitled to things like your privacy, confidentiality and never paying more than the correct amount of tax.
Subscribe to tax tips directly from the experts at the IRS.
Visit USA.gov to find answers to your top questions throughout the 2021 tax season .

Tax Preparers Must Pass Background Check Before Tax Season

Retrieved on:

Thursday, January 21, 2021

Finance, Accounting, Professional services, State, Local, Public policy, Government, California Tax Education Council, Taxation in the United States, Internal Revenue Service, Tax preparation in the United States, Tax, IRS Return Preparer Initiative, Registered Tax Return Preparer

Out of 40,000 tax preparers registered with the California Tax Education Council (CTEC) , 3,770 did not to renew their registration on time and cannot prepare tax returns for clients until they start the registration process all over again, which now includes passing a criminal background check, among other requirements.

Key Points:

Out of 40,000 tax preparers registered with the California Tax Education Council (CTEC) , 3,770 did not to renew their registration on time and cannot prepare tax returns for clients until they start the registration process all over again, which now includes passing a criminal background check, among other requirements.
You should always verify the legal status of your tax preparer every year, said Brandon Chanley, chair of CTEC, a state mandated nonprofit organization that manages the registration of California tax preparers.
The background check is phase two of California Assembly Bill 3143, also known as The Tax Preparation Act, which aims to increase the protection of taxpayers by adding new provisions and responsibilities for the council, as well as tax preparers registered with CTEC.
After their initial registration, CTEC-registered tax preparers (CRTPs) are required to complete 20 hours of continuing education each year.

Survey Finds Taxpayers Not Verifying Tax Preparer Signature

Retrieved on:

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Taxation in the United States, Tax, Preparer Tax Identification Number, Tax preparation in the United States, California Tax Education Council, Taxpayer Identification Number, Tax return, Internal Revenue Service, Registered Tax Return Preparer, IRS Return Preparer Initiative

SACRAMENTO, Calif., April 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --An online survey paid for by the California Tax Education Council (CTEC) , a state-mandated nonprofit organization that manages the registration of 40,000 unlicensed tax preparers, found that nine percent of taxpayers surveyed claim their tax preparer used a business label instead of signing the tax return by name.

Key Points:

SACRAMENTO, Calif., April 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --An online survey paid for by the California Tax Education Council (CTEC) , a state-mandated nonprofit organization that manages the registration of 40,000 unlicensed tax preparers, found that nine percent of taxpayers surveyed claim their tax preparer used a business label instead of signing the tax return by name.
The survey was conducted during the 2019 tax filing season and focused on 500 adults in Los Angeles, the market the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) reports to have the most problems with questionable tax preparers.
Tax preparers are required by law to sign (typed or handwritten) client tax returns they prepared for a fee.
The IRS also requires they include a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) on federal tax returns.

Five Signs to Know if Your Tax Preparer is a Fraud

Retrieved on:

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Internal Revenue Service, Taxation in the United States, Tax, California Tax Education Council, Tax preparation in the United States, Economy, Tax refund, Registered Tax Return Preparer, IRS Return Preparer Initiative

Your neighbor refers a tax preparer who helped him get a big tax refund.

Key Points:

Your neighbor refers a tax preparer who helped him get a big tax refund.
The tax preparer says because he helped you get such a big refund, he'll take 15 percent of it as part of his fee.
Below are common signs your tax preparer is a fraud.
For example, California requires unlicensed tax preparers to complete tax courses and register with California Tax Education Council (CTEC) .

New California Legislation Targets 40,000 Tax Preparers to Provide Fees Upfront and Inform Clients of Free Tax Services in Six Languages

Retrieved on:

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

Taxation in the United States, Internal Revenue Service, Preparer Tax Identification Number, California Tax Education Council, Tax preparation in the United States, Economy, Tax, IRS Return Preparer Initiative, Annual Filing Season Program

SACRAMENTO, Calif., March 10, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- California Assembly Bill 1140 requires unenrolled tax preparers, specifically those registered with the California Tax Education Council (CTEC) , to provide potential clients all fees and costs upfront, as well as free tax preparation services available.

Key Points:

SACRAMENTO, Calif., March 10, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- California Assembly Bill 1140 requires unenrolled tax preparers, specifically those registered with the California Tax Education Council (CTEC) , to provide potential clients all fees and costs upfront, as well as free tax preparation services available.
Since there are free services available, the bill aims to point this out to taxpayers who may not be able to afford professional services.
It also requires CRTPs to provide a list of costs and fees upfront, as well as their federal Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) .
Proponents say requiring written notice of free services will help protect low-income families from paying hundreds of dollars in tax preparation fees.

New Legislation Requires 40,000 Tax Preparers to Provide Fees Upfront and Inform Clients of Free Tax Services, Some Tax Preparers Exempt

Retrieved on:

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

California Assembly Bill 1140 requires unenrolled tax preparers, specifically those registered with the California Tax Education Council (CTEC) , to provide potential clients all fees and costs upfront, as well as free tax preparation services available.

Key Points:

California Assembly Bill 1140 requires unenrolled tax preparers, specifically those registered with the California Tax Education Council (CTEC) , to provide potential clients all fees and costs upfront, as well as free tax preparation services available.
Attorneys , Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and Enrolled Agents (EAs) , who also prepare tax returns for a fee, are exempt from the provisions.
It also requires CRTPs to provide a list of costs and fees upfront, as well as their federal Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN).
Proponents say requiring written notice of free services will help protect low-income families from paying hundreds of dollars in tax preparation fees.

Disciplinary Actions Against CTEC Registered Tax Preparers Now Public

Retrieved on:

Thursday, January 23, 2020

Internal Revenue Service, California Tax Education Council, Taxation in the United States, Economy, Tax preparation in the United States, Enrolled agent, Certified Public Accountant, Business, IRS Return Preparer Initiative

Don't ever assume," said Susie DiMaggio, chair of the California Tax Education Council (CTEC) , a state-mandated nonprofit organization that manages the registration of unlicensed tax preparers.

Key Points:

Don't ever assume," said Susie DiMaggio, chair of the California Tax Education Council (CTEC) , a state-mandated nonprofit organization that manages the registration of unlicensed tax preparers.
In addition to posting disciplinary actions, the new law requires registrants to report all paid claims against their surety bond to CTEC.
California law requires paid tax preparers to be either an attorney , certified public accountant (CPA) , enrolled agent (EA) or CTEC-registered tax preparer (CRTP) .
Of the 80,000 tax preparers estimated to be doing business in California, 40,000 are registered with CTEC.

Free File Alliance Announces 2nd Year in a Row of Increased Numbers of Taxpayers Utilizing the Free File Program

Retrieved on:

Thursday, April 25, 2019

Taxation in the United States, Internal Revenue Service, Tax, Free File, Tax preparation in the United States, Tax return, IRS e-file, IRS Return Preparer Initiative

WASHINGTON, April 25, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --The Free File Alliance and the IRS have released end-of-season numbers showing a strengthening of the numbers of low-moderate taxpayers utilizing the program for free federal tax returns.

Key Points:

WASHINGTON, April 25, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --The Free File Alliance and the IRS have released end-of-season numbers showing a strengthening of the numbers of low-moderate taxpayers utilizing the program for free federal tax returns.
Powered by The Free File Alliance , a coalition of 12 industry-leading tax software companies partnered with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Free File program gives eligible taxpayers free access to the industry's most innovative and secure tax software in order to easily prepare and e-file their federal tax returns.
Said Tim Hugo, Executive Director of the Free File Alliance, "The newly implemented enhancements to the Program clearly were a resounding success with the taxpayers.
The Free File Alliance is committed to giving 70 percent of taxpayers free access to the industry's top online tax preparation software.

Liberty Tax To Aid Taxpayers Who Need More Time To File 2018 Tax Returns

Retrieved on:

Monday, April 8, 2019

Professional services, Accounting, Taxation in the United States, Tax preparation in the United States, Tax, Internal Revenue Service, Economy, IRS Return Preparer Initiative

With its tax extension assistance, Liberty Tax can help taxpayers determine their tax liability, get the extra time they need to file, and avoid a failure to file penalty.

Key Points:

With its tax extension assistance, Liberty Tax can help taxpayers determine their tax liability, get the extra time they need to file, and avoid a failure to file penalty.
Founded in 1997, Liberty Tax, Inc. (OTC PINK: TAXA) is the parent company of Liberty Tax Service.
Liberty Tax's online services are available through Liberty Tax Online , eSmart Tax , and DIY Tax and are all backed by the tax professionals at Liberty Tax locations and its nationwide network of seasonal tax preparers.
For more information, visit the Liberty Tax website and follow Liberty Tax on Twitter and Facebook .