Tax Preparation – Things to Know
Did you know? In the United States, tax preparers are NOT REQUIRED to be trained or certified. There is no test or qualification needed to obtain a PTIN (the identification number used to prepare returns). It is up to you as the taxpayer to choose a preparer that is properly educated and trained to prepare your return.
The good news is, there are resources to help you with that choice.
Here’s a video link from the IRS about how to choose a qualified tax preparer.
And this link goes to the IRS directory of credentialed preparers.
At Honest Llama, all of our tax preparers are Annual Filing Season Participants (AFSP) with the IRS. The AFSP is a voluntary program that requires preparers to complete over 18 credit hours of tax training annually and pass a 100-question comprehensive exam issued by the IRS ahead of each filing season.
Accurate and ethical tax preparation is the bare minimum of what you should expect from your preparer. Here at Honest Llama we strive to always exceed your expectations and provide you with the best tax filing experience possible.
City of Albuquerque Tax Preparer Ordinance:
Over the years, we have sadly had to assist many clients in cleaning up the inaccurate and unethical work done by their previous tax preparers. These tax preparers, CPA’s and accountants have sullied the good name of us bean-counters and have taken advantage of their clientele.
If you have hired a tax preparer who failed to file your tax returns, misled you on what they charged, misrepresented your income or deductions on a return, or any other unscrupulous and unethical business behaviour, the City of Albuquerque has a Consumer Protection division dedicated to recording and investigating these incidents.
To report an unscrupulous tax preparer, you may call 311 or submit a complaint form through the city website.
You may also report the tax preparer to the IRS.
