Yet, tax preparers have long known that client information that they receive in connection with the preparation of tax returns is confidential and that federal law prohibits disclosure of that information. Violation of that confidentiality is punishable by both fines and imprisonment under 26 U.S.C § 7216.

Can my tax preparer share my information?

Internal Revenue Code Section 6103 addresses tax information privacy. The code prohibits the IRS and your tax professional from disclosing your tax information to most others without your written consent.

Should I share my tax return details with H&R Block?

Any information you give to a company that helps you prepare your taxes can be sold to anyone else. Anyone who uses a storefront tax preparation shop like H&R Block, or files taxes using over-the-shelf software like TurboTax, should be on alert for information disclosure forms that come your way.

Can a tax preparer share your tax return with someone else?

The IRS imposes steep penalties against tax preparers who disclose tax return information without your permission. If your tax preparer asks you if it’s OK to share your information with third parties, you have an absolute right to say no.

What do you need to know about a tax preparer identification number?

A Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) is a number issued by the IRS to paid tax return preparers. It is used as the tax return preparer’s identification number and, when applicable, must be placed in the Paid Preparer section of a tax return that the tax return preparer prepared for compensation. There is no annual fee for a PTIN.

When does a tax preparer have to file a tax return?

Section 6011 (e) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code requires specified tax return preparers to electronically file certain federal income tax returns that they prepare and file for individuals, trusts, or estates after December 31, 2010. Final regulations provide further guidance on this requirement. See T.D. 9518.

Do you need a PTIN to prepare a federal tax return?

No. An employee who prepares his employer’s federal tax returns is not required to sign as a paid preparer. Accordingly, unless the employee prepares other federal tax returns for compensation, he or she is not required to register and obtain a PTIN. 10.