We moved our offices 3.5 miles west down Route 10, near the WalMart and the Chester DMV.  We have more space, the parking is better, and no more steps!!  Stop by to see us at 11901 Iron Bridge Road.

Tips to help taxpayers choose a reputable tax return preparer
As taxpayers get ready to file their 2022 tax return, they may be considering hiring a tax return preparer. The IRS reminds taxpayers to choose a tax return preparer wisely. This is important because taxpayers are responsible for all the information on their return, no matter who prepares it for them.
There are different kinds of tax preparers, and a taxpayer's needs will help determine which kind of preparer is best for them. With that in mind, here are some quick tips to help people choose a preparer.
When choosing a tax professional, taxpayers should:

• Check the IRS Directory of Preparers. While it is not a complete listing of tax return preparers, it does include those who are enrolled agents, CPAs and attorneys, as well as those who participate in the Annual Filing Season Program.
  
• Check the preparer's history with the Better Business Bureau. Taxpayers can verify an enrolled agent's status on IRS.gov.
• Ask about fees. Taxpayers should avoid tax return preparers who base their fees on a percentage of the refund or who offer to deposit all or part of their refund into their financial accounts.
• Be wary of tax return preparers who claim they can get larger refunds than others.
• Ask if they plan to use e-file.
• Make sure the preparer is available. People should consider whether the individual or firm will be around for months or years after filing the return. Taxpayers should do this because they might need the preparer to answer questions about the preparation of the tax return.
• Ensure the preparer signs and includes their preparer tax identification number. Paid tax return preparers must have a PTIN to prepare tax returns.
• Check the person's credentials. Only attorneys, CPAs and enrolled agents can represent taxpayers before the IRS in tax matters. Other tax return preparers who participate in the IRS Annual Filing Season Program have limited practice rights to represent taxpayers during audits of returns they prepared.

More information:
Tax Time Guide: Free tax return help available in-person and online
Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax
Share this tip on social media -- #IRSTaxTip: Tips to help taxpayers choose a reputable tax return preparer. https://go.usa.gov/xe7PY

TIGTA URGES TAXPAYERS TO STAY ALERT AND SAFEGUARD
THEIR ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENT
WASHINGTON — J. Russell George, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, today urged all taxpayers to stay alert to ensure that they do not lose their Economic Impact Payments (EIPs), also known as stimulus payments, to thieves and scammers.  The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, signed into law on March 27, 2020, authorized the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to deliver EIPs to approximately 160 million eligible taxpayers.

Many taxpayers have already received their EIP by direct deposit.  Others will receive their EIP by a physical U.S. Treasury check delivered to them by the U.S. mail.  A number of taxpayers will receive their EIP by a prepaid debit card. 

With millions of dollars of payments in various forms issued by the IRS to taxpayers across the country, TIGTA reminds all taxpayers to exercise caution to avoid becoming victimized by thieves and scammers looking to take their EIPs.  Here are some DOs and DON’Ts:

DO:

• Contact TIGTA to report any potential fraud or scams involving the IRS on our website at TIPS.TIGTA.gov.  You can also call us at 1-800-366-4484.
• Forward any unsolicited e-mail claiming to be from the IRS to [email protected] and then delete it.
• Always verify the web address of websites to ensure authenticity and always manually type them into your web browser.

DON’T:

• Use any other website or service that claims to be able to process your EIP or act as an intermediary between you and the IRS.
• Share your personal information with anyone, whether claiming to be from the IRS or some other business or agency offering to assist you with your EIP.  Payments will come directly from the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
• Open attachments or click on any links within e-mails from senders you do not recognize.
• Provide your username, password, date of birth, Social Security Number, financial data, or other personal information in response to an e-mail or robocall.
• Accept or deposit any EIP check that someone else offers you other than one received directly from the U.S. Department of the Treasury through the U.S. mail. 

After your EIP has been issued, the IRS will mail you a letter confirming the payment.  To check on the status of your EIP, please visit www.IRS.gov and click on “Get My Payment,” by manually typing “www.IRS.gov” into your web browser.