We prepare and file income tax returns for individuals, businesses and trusts. Additionally, we prepare and file federal and state Estate, Gift and Generation Skipping Transfer Tax returns for individual clients. Our knowledge of tax issues is essential in structuring your Estate Plan in order to minimize these taxes, and provides a benefit to our clients not available to clients of attorneys who lack this level of tax knowledge.
Registered Tax Return PreparerThe IRS now has more stringent standards for tax preparers. In order to sign and file tax returns on behalf of others, tax preparers must meet certain qualifications and register with the IRS. With this process, the IRS is working to eliminate unqualified preparers who often prepare tax returns for a fee, but do not sign the returns they prepare to avoid the IRS requirements. If someone offers to prepare your tax return but refuses to sign it, do not hire that person. Hire a qualified professional.
The IRS return preparer initiative requires anyone who is paid to prepare all or substantially all of any federal tax return or claim for refund to register with the IRS and obtain a PTIN. Certain preparers (those who are not an Attorney or a CPA) also must pass a competency examination, undergo a suitability check and complete continuing education courses annually. The IRS will designate individuals who meet these requirements as a “Registered Tax Return Preparer.”
Individuals designated as a Registered Tax Return Preparer will be authorized to prepare federal tax returns and claims for refunds and to represent their clients during an IRS examination of a tax return or claim for refund that the individual signed as the paid tax return preparer. As both an Attorney and a CPA, I am qualified to be a Registered Tax Return Preparer, and have registered as such with the IRS.
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Michael L. Cahill is an attorney and certified public accountant providing estate planning, probate and tax services in the St. Petersburg, Seminole, Largo, Clearwater and Florida gulf beach communities.