ADOR is aware that some small business income taxpayers received a billing notice even though their overpayment individual income tax return is larger than the tax due small business income return. Please be advised that the Department is working to resolve the issue as soon as possible.
Customer Notice: To schedule an appointment, please contact us at [email protected].
Selecting the right tax professional is enormously important. Taxpayers are ultimately responsible for the accuracy of their tax return, regardless of who prepares it.
There are numerous types of tax return preparers, including certified public accountants, attorneys, enrolled agents, and many others who do not have a professional credential. You hire a tax preparer to accurately file your return.
Most tax return preparers provide outstanding and professional tax service. Unfortunately, some taxpayers are scammed because they choose the wrong tax return preparer. Be sure to check our tips for choosing a tax preparer and how to avoid "ghost" return preparers.
Someone can be a paid tax return preparer as long as they have an IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). Tax preparers have differ levels of skills, education, and expertise. Be sure to ask about their credentials before hiring.
How can I check a tax preparer's credentials?
The IRS provides a Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications in your area. Additionally, many tax preparers belong to professional organizations.
Tax return preparer fraud is a common tax scam.
The Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR) is committed to investigating paid tax return preparers who act improperly.
ADOR protects taxpayers by assessing significant civil penalties against shady return preparers and working with the Attorney General’s Office to stop schemes and prosecute the criminals.
If a taxpayer suspects a tax preparer is shady, they should ask another tax preparer to review the return and get a second opinion.
Additionally, verify they are a reputable preparer and seek assistance through AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), or 211 Information.
A ghost preparer is paid to prepare a tax return, but does not sign it or include necessary information. ADOR warns taxpayers of possible scams if a preparer won't state their name on the tax return.
By law, anyone who prepares or assists in preparing federal and state tax returns for compensation must have a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). Paid tax preparers are required to sign and include their PTIN on the paper tax returns they prepare. For electronically filed returns, the preparer must list their name and PTIN.
By not providing the required information, it may appear the return was self-prepared, which benefits the ghost tax preparer by staying under the radar. Also, ghost preparers may promise a larger refund and charge fees based on a percentage of the refund, which is prohibited.