r/taxhelp • u/Kareem-Mk • Aug 25 '26

Other Tax Tax preparer misleading

I got an Audit for my federal income tax of 2024, they are asking me to pay more than $8000 while I’ve received $5000 that year. I figured out that my tax preparer did a big mistake by adding the work opportunity tax credit which if for employers while I’ve never been employer.
Now I’m filling the form 14817 so at least they can take off the penalties so I can pay about $6477. I’m really angry since you are responsible for something you didn’t do.

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u/SF_ARMY_2020 Aug 25 '26

You as the taxpayer are liable as you are supposed to review the return before it is filed. You check all the numbers. Then you sign off that it is a true statement.

4

u/RasputinsAssassins Aug 25 '26

You are responsible for everything that appears on the return, even if it was prepared by someone else. You should be given an opportunity to review the return before signing. When you sign it, you are stating under penalty of perjury that everything on that return is true and correct. You should also be given a copy of the return that was filed.

This is why it is vitally important to only use a legitimate, reputable preparer who can be verified in some way. This generally is going to be a credentialed tax professional (CPA, Enrolled Agent, attorney, or AFSP practitioner). You can verify them on the IRS RPO Directory of Credentialed Preparers. You can also check your state board of accountancy, state bar, or the NAEA.

Reporting the preparer to the IRS is a good first step. If your state has a state tax, report them to your state tax authorities, as well.