TDCI Offers Consumers Tips to Avoid Tax Return Preparer Fraud

Nashville, TN – With the April 18th Tax Day deadline on the horizon, the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance’s (TDCI) Division of Consumer Affairs encourages residents to thoroughly  vet your tax preparer to help reduce the risk of fraud.

“Conducting research should be your first priority if you decide to have a tax preparer file your income tax return,” said TDCI Consumer Protection Director Cynthia Wiel.

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Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance says Free Consumer Tax Help Available through IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service

Nashville, TN – With Tax Day only a month away, the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance’s (TDCI) Division of Consumer Affairs wants the public to know they have a voice at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

“For many, filing income taxes is a task that can be time-consuming and stressful,” TDCI Deputy Commissioner Bill Giannini said. “Our Consumer Affairs team and our partners with the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service remind Tennesseans that tax help is just a phone call away.” [Read more]

Tennessee’s Consumer Affairs Division offers Tips for Avoiding Tax Return Preparer Fraud

Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance’s (TDCI) Division of Consumer Affairs is offering consumers tips to avoid tax return preparer fraud. Although Tax Day isn’t until April 18th, the Division encourages you to file early and vet your tax preparer to avoid fraud.

“If you decide to have a tax return preparer prepare and file your income tax return, it is important to choose that person carefully,” TDCI Deputy Commissioner Bill Giannini said. “Finding a qualified professional takes a little planning and some research, but remember, you are responsible for everything on your return, even when someone else prepares it.

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IRS Identifies 100,000 Preparers Who Failed to Follow New PTIN Rules

Washington, D.C. – As part of its new oversight program of the nation’s tax return preparation industry, the Internal Revenue Service today announced it will send letters to approximately 100,000 tax return preparers who prepared returns in 2011 but failed to follow new requirements.

In 2010, the IRS launched an initiative to increase its oversight of the tax return preparation industry and regulate the conduct of tax return preparers. All paid tax return preparers must obtain a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) and, when required to do so, sign their names and include their PTINs on the returns and refund claims they prepare for compensation. [Read more]