Tax Filing Online – Information
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are you trying to be a PAID preparer? or just help em out?
i would get a PTIN if i were you. i wouldnt be comfortable putting my social on those people returns.
There are not any actual requirements. You do need to put either your SSN or your PTIN number which you can get from the IRS to put on the return. You must sign the returns you prepare and can be held accountable by the IRS for completing a return that is wrong. You need to do due diligence to determine the information the person gave you is true, complete and they can back up their deductions. Having them sign a statement attesting to that along with asking the right questions will likely protect you. If you are interested in doing this as a career, go to irs.gov and go to the tax professionals tab to see how to become an Enrolled Agent. You can also find information on their website about tax preparer responsibilities.
I don’t know about the legality, but I know plenty of people who charge for tax-preparation who aren’t really trained to do so. You may find yourself liable if something goes wrong with the return (without the proper agreement/license, etc.), or it could be outright illegal…but — people do it, and people pay for it… I wouldn’t have any problem doing it for people I knew so long as I felt comfortable with it myself.
If you are going to charge you’ll want to get a PTIN so you don’t have to scatter your SSN all over creation.
If you are in CA, OR or MD you’ll need to be licensed by the State. Other states have no licensing requirements.
If you’re planning on using software you’ll have to buy commercial software. You cannot use the cheap off-the-shelf software commercially. Drake is popular as is Tax Works
If you are planning on offering e-filing services you’ll need to become an ERO or Electronic Return Originator with the IRS. That requires some paperwork including a background check and special fingerprint cards. Call the Andover, MA Service Center for details or see this link: ,,id=97657,00.html
Just about anyone can hang a sign and say they’re a tax preparer (except in certain states which require a license). That doesn’t mean you should go in blind – take a course, apply for a PTIN, and do your homework. That said – preparing a 1040-EZ is very simple.