To combat tax return fraud, the IRS requires all preparers to collect information about any dependents that may be claimed for the child tax credit. If you have dependents on your tax return, we require this information before filing your return.

We also may ask you for more information if we believe you may qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Additional Child Tax Credit, Credit for Other Dependents, or American Opportunity Tax Credit. Preparers are also required to collect extensive data on anyone who may qualify to file Head of Household, so we may ask you a series of more detailed questions to confirm your filing status.

 

Q: I've never had to provide this before - why do I now?

A: The IRS has been cracking down on fraudulent credits claimed to reduce tax fraud. If your return has always been self prepared or prepared through a box program such as TurboTax, TaxAct, etc, you may not have been required to provide this information since, technically, "you" were the one filing your return. However, when you file with a professional tax preparer, we are required to confirm the details you give us.

 

Q: This sucks. I don't want to do it.

A: Yup. Sorry. It does. But it's an IRS rule - and a very strict one - that could cost us a lot (and I mean a LOT) of money in fines and penalties if we don't do it. We agree it sucks, but it is unfortunately needed. We will not file your return without acceptable proof. If you need to cancel your appointment, please let us know.

 

Q: What isn't acceptable?

A: Unfortunately, the most common "ID" documents are not acceptable for this proof.

We can NOT take:

• Birth certificates
• Social Security cards
• Photos of envelopes or other mail
• Explainations of benefit (EOB) letters
• Bank statements

We also cannot take "joking" answers like "Just check my food budget and it'll prove they live here.". While those do make us laugh, unfortunately, the IRS won't be laughing.

 

Q: What is acceptable?

A: We may be able to take, at our discretion:

• School records or medical records that show both the child's name and address (including screenshots of online school/medical record portals such as Infinite Campus, MyChart, etc.)
• Adoption or child placement documentation
• Court records
• Leases for the tax year being filed that lists the child, by name, as an occupant along with information about the address and landlord
• State or tribal ID's that are current and unexpired that list the child's name and address
• 1095-B forms sent to you by the state for state health insurance that lists the child as insured and provides the family's address
• 1098-T forms for children who are in college as long as it lists the required information
• Military emergency contact forms if they are current and list the child's name and address

We may ask for additional or further information even with the above documentation.

 

Q: My child doesn't have any of this. What do I do?

A: You may provide signed and dated letters from officials, on official letterhead, from your child's school, heathcare provider, childcare provider, social service agency, placement agency, your employer, an Indian tribal official, your landlord or property manager, a place of worship, or shelters (see below for IRS-provided letter templates).

 

 

What is acceptable for proof of residence?