Ghosted by Your Tax Preparer? Here’s What to Do When Your Tax Expert Bails
Ghosting happens in all walks of life, not just dating. When it’s your tax expert who pulls a disappearing act, what do you do? After all, it’s not easy to manage your taxes, especially if you’re a small business owner.
So, when your tax preparer stops answering emails and their office hours appear to be “never,” it’s time to form a backup plan. Today, we’ll look at how you can do that, even if your return due date is just weeks away.
Don’t Panic, Act
It’s stressful when you think everything has been handled and someone disappears, particularly if it’s last minute. Where will you find someone else?
First, you’ll need to gather all your paperwork. This includes everything you already provided your preparer, from W-2s and 1099s to receipts and income records, and any deductions and prior-year returns. This can be difficult if the person still has your original documents. Reach out once more to request the documents be returned.
You will also need to make sure there’s no IRS notice or missing refund that you need to deal with. Find out what has been filed, if anything. Just because you paid someone doesn’t mean they actually filed it, so double check it all on your IRS account.
Next, check the deadline. How much time do you have to get this together?
The more organized you are, the faster it will be to get everything done on time.
Find a Qualified Tax Pro
You may be in a hurry to get your taxes squared away, but don’t risk going with someone random. After all, you’ve already had one bad experience, you don’t want another.
How do you find a good tax pro?
Look for someone who has been doing this for longer than a few months. The more experience, the better. They should also come recommended, so check out their other clients. You can often tell how professional someone is by the way they treat you, as well.
Once you’ve found a good tax professional, it’s time to hand over all that info once more. Your paperwork, receipts, and any other tax info you have can be given to the new preparer and they will help you file it all properly.
Report Shady Behavior
You’ll definitely want to report anyone acting shady. Whether or not fraud was involved, you need to protect yourself and others from the person. When you’re looking over your paperwork and checking your account status, you should double check that:
Your tax return wasn’t altered
The preparer didn’t change the bank account info
The tax return wasn’t filed without your consent
You will want to report the person if the situation seems to be about more than merely ghosting you. For example, if there is evidence they committed fraud, you can report it to the IRS.
You’re Not Powerless
Despite the sticky situation you’ve been put into, losing your tax preparer is not the end of the world. You may be stressed, but you can get your records together, verify your filing status, then find qualified help to move forward with your return.
If you’ve found yourself ghosted, contact Ask Anna Tax for help.
