Can Someone Else File My Taxes for Me?
Understand the process of delegating your tax preparation, including selecting assistance, providing information, and fulfilling your ultimate responsibilities.
Yes, another individual can prepare and file your taxes on your behalf. This process involves specific steps and responsibilities to ensure accuracy and compliance with tax regulations. Understanding these requirements is important when you choose to have someone else handle your tax obligations.
Selecting a Tax Preparer
Professional tax preparers include Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), Enrolled Agents (EAs), and attorneys. CPAs specialize in tax preparation and planning. EAs are licensed by the IRS and demonstrate expertise in federal taxation, with unlimited representation rights before the IRS. Attorneys can also prepare taxes and represent clients in tax matters. All paid preparers must have a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) issued by the IRS.
Free assistance is available through programs like the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE). These programs help qualified individuals, including those making $67,000 or less, persons with disabilities, limited English-speaking taxpayers, and individuals aged 60 and older. VITA and TCE volunteers are IRS-certified and pass tax law training. Family members or trusted individuals can also assist, but they lack the credentials or representation rights of professional preparers.
Essential Information and Documents
To prepare your tax return, a tax preparer needs financial and personal information. This includes your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), and those of your spouse and dependents. Your date of birth and current address are also required.
The preparer will also need income and deduction documents. These include:
Income statements, such as Form W-2 for wages, and Forms 1099 for interest (1099-INT), dividends (1099-DIV), retirement distributions (1099-R), and nonemployee compensation (1099-NEC).
Records of all income and expenses if you have self-employment income, including receipts and bank statements.
Documents supporting deductions and credits, such as Form 1098 for mortgage interest, Form 1098-E for student loan interest, and Form 1098-T for tuition.
Records for charitable contributions, medical expenses, and childcare costs (often requiring Form W-10 from your provider).
A copy of your prior year’s tax return, which helps the preparer understand your typical income and deductions.
Taxpayer Responsibilities and Authorization
Even when someone else prepares your tax return, you remain responsible for the accuracy of all information reported to the IRS. Before submission, review it to ensure all details are correct and you understand the reported income, deductions, and credits. Any refund should be directed to your bank account, not the preparer’s.
For electronic filing, you authorize your preparer to submit the return by signing Form 8879, the IRS e-file Signature Authorization. This confirms you have reviewed the return and agree to its submission. If the preparer needs to communicate with the IRS on your behalf, such as responding to notices or representing you in an audit, you may need to grant them Power of Attorney using IRS Form 2848. This form specifies the tax matters and periods for which the representative has authority. Retain copies of all documents provided to your preparer and a signed copy of your final tax return for your records.
The Submission Process
After the tax return is prepared and authorized, the preparer will file it electronically. E-file is the most common method, offering faster processing and confirmation of receipt than mailing a paper return. The preparer uses specialized software to transmit the return directly to the IRS and state tax authorities.
Once e-filed, the preparer receives an acknowledgement from the IRS, usually within 24 to 48 hours, indicating “Accepted” or “Rejected.” An “Accepted” status confirms the IRS received the return and it passed initial checks. If “Rejected,” the acknowledgement includes a reason, allowing the preparer to correct and retransmit it. Refunds are issued within 21 days after the IRS accepts an e-filed return. If taxes are owed, payment can be made electronically, by mail, or through other approved methods.