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Proof of Residence
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:
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:
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).
The IRS provides convenient sample letters for taxpayer use. These letters MUST be dated and on official letterhead from the school, medical office, or childcare facility who wrote it.
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For information about accounting, tax return amendments, sales tax filing, payroll, or anything else, please contact us using the form here. Thank you!