Those earning more than $64,000 can use Free File Fillable Forms, electronic versions of IRS paper forms. Free File software walks users through the tax preparation process and helps identify those tax changes that may affect their return. Go to IRS.gov and click on the ‘ Filing’ tab for options. IRS Free File lets taxpayers who earned less than $64,000 prepare and e-file a return for free using name-brand software. Review the return and ask questions before signing it.Įach year, millions of tax returns are prepared for free by taxpayers using IRS Free File or by volunteers at community-based sites l staffed by IRS-trained volunteers that are located across the country. Ask about fees before providing personal financial records and receipts. They must sign the return and include their PTIN. The IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications can help taxpayers identify local preparers by type of credential or qualification.Īll paid tax preparers must have a Preparer Tax Identification Number. The IRS Choosing a Tax Professional page has information about tax preparer credentials and qualifications.

The IRS urges taxpayers to avoid fly-by-night preparers who may not be available after April 18 and suggests checking the return preparer’s qualifications and history. A reputable preparer will ask to see a taxpayer’s records and receipts and can help file an extension to give the taxpayer time to collect any missing documents. With the filing deadline less than two weeks away, appointments with some tax professionals may be limited. WASHINGTON – As the tax filing season deadline approaches, the Internal Revenue Service is reminding taxpayers to select who will prepare their 2016 federal tax return carefully. IRS Urges Taxpayers Not to Rush Choose Return Preparers Wisely Issue Number: IR-2017-79 Inside This Issue

Fillable irs 2016 extension form