Tax Filing Tips

By Nehemiah Jefferson, Esq., LL.M.

If you are going to hire an individual to prepare your tax return, only hire a Tax Attorney, Certified Public Accountant, or Enrolled Agent.  You can verify these professionals credentials on www.irs.gov. IRS.gov also has tips for choosing a tax preparer.

The justice department periodically files lawsuits to shut down tax preparation businesses.   The Justice Department also publishes an alphabetical list of preparers that are enjoined or prohibited from preparing tax returns.

Beware of tax preparers who do not sign your return.  Preparers who receive compensation for the preparation of a tax return must take responsibility and exercise due diligence.

An extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay.

Nehemiah Jefferson, Esq., LL.M., is Principal of Esquire Tax Firm PLLC. The firm practice areas include Civil and Criminal Tax Representation, Estate Planning, Probate, and Business Planning. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from The Florida State University, his Juris Doctor from John Marshall Law School (Atlanta), and LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Alabama. Attorney Jefferson is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida, Texas, The District of Columbia, and is a member of the United States Tax Court Bar. He may be reached at www.esqtaxfirm.com.