Do You Need to Be a Registered Tax Preparer to Do Your Own Taxes?
There is no legal requirement for individuals to maintain a tax preparer license or registration to prepare their own taxes. State registered tax preparers generally maintain a tax preparer identification number for the purpose of preparing tax returns for other individuals and businesses for a fee. If you are only choosing to prepare and submit your own tax returns, you are not required to register with your state tax department.
Other People Are Reading
-
Tax Preparer
-
A professional tax preparer holds a license or certification in a particular state. Tax preparers are registered with a state tax department, and their profession entails essentially preparing taxes for others for a fee or providing information to others regarding the preparation of tax returns. As stipulated by the Internal Revenue Service, registered tax preparers are required to maintain a preparer tax identification number. Some people may use the assistance of a registered tax preparer, because most professional tax preparers are aware of the changes in tax laws each year as well as the potential tax deductions and credits available to individual taxpayers.
IRS Forms
-
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website publishes all of the forms and publications needed for you to prepare your own taxes. Most of the forms include instructions to guide you through preparing and filing a paper income tax return. Or you can e-file your tax return by using the IRS e-file resources on the IRS website. Whether you choose to download the paper forms or use the e-file capabilities offered by the IRS, you are not required to be a registered tax preparer if you are preparing your own taxes.
-
Online Tax Programs
-
A variety of companies offer online tax programs, including Turbo Tax, TaxCut and TaxAct. For a fee, these software programs provide online instructions and guidance to help you prepare your taxes and e-file your state or federal returns to the IRS. Many of these types of software programs guide you through the various steps regarding the use of the appropriate forms and how to enter all the relevant information needed to determine the amount of your refund, if you get one.
Tax Laws
-
If you are preparing your own tax returns, it is beneficial for you to remain abreast of the changes in the Internal Revenue Service tax code. Tax laws can change each year, and that can affect the deductions and tax credits you can claim.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
