tax preparation service
Many people use a tax preparation service Kansas City to help file their taxes. It makes life easier—you give them your paperwork, and they take care of the rest. But what happens if that person makes a mistake on your tax return? Can it cause problems? Are you still responsible?
The truth is, even professionals can mess up sometimes. And yes, the IRS might still hold you responsible, even if you didn’t do anything wrong. That’s why it’s important to know how mistakes happen, how you can protect yourself, and what you should do if you find one.
Let’s break this down so it’s simple and clear.
Why Tax Mistakes Can Still Happen with a Tax Preparation Service Kansas City
Even when someone is good at their job, mistakes can happen. Tax preparers deal with many forms, numbers, and rules. With so much going on, it’s easy to type in the wrong number or forget a piece of information.
Here are some common mistakes tax preparers might make:
- Typing the wrong numbers from your W-2 or other forms
- Forgetting to include a tax credit that you qualify for
- Entering your Social Security number wrong
- Not including all your income
“Even if someone else fills out the forms, the IRS still considers it your return.”
So yes, even if your tax preparer made the mistake, it’s still your name on the return, and you’ll need to fix it.
What Happens If There’s a Mistake?
If your tax return has a mistake, a few things can go wrong. Here are some of the common problems:
- You might have to pay extra taxes. If the IRS finds a mistake, that means you owe more; they’ll send you a bill.
- You could be charged a penalty. On top of what you owe, they might charge a fee.
- You might not get your refund on time. If there’s a mistake, your refund could be delayed.
- You may need to fix the mistake. This means filling out another form to correct the problem.
Some people even get audited, which means the IRS takes a closer look at your return. While it’s not always a big deal, it can be stressful and take a lot of time.
What You Can Do to Stay Safe
Good news—there are things you can do to protect yourself before and after filing your taxes:
- Look over your return before signing. Ask questions if you don’t understand something.
- Keep all your documents. Save things like your W-2s, receipts, and any messages between you and your tax preparer.
- Choose someone you trust. Pick a professional who is trained and experienced.
- Work with someone who also does your books. Some people use a tax preparer who also offers a bookkeeping service Kansas City —this means your money records are kept in order all year, which helps avoid mistakes.
Can You Make the Preparer Fix It?
Yes—if your tax preparer made a mistake, they should help fix it. Some companies even promise to pay for penalties or extra taxes caused by their error. But not all of them do.
Here’s what to look for:
- Error Protection: Some services will pay any penalty if they make a mistake.
- Insurance: Some tax preparers carry insurance to cover costs when something goes wrong.
- Clear Agreement: Make sure your contract or paperwork says what happens if they make a mistake.
If your preparer refuses to help or makes a big error, you can also tell the IRS by filling out a special form (Form 14157). But even then, you might still have to fix the return and pay what’s owed.
What If an Audit Happens?
An audit is when the IRS looks closely at your tax return to make sure everything is correct. If your preparer made a mistake and the IRS starts an audit, you still have to deal with it.
You’ll need to:
- Talk to the IRS or write them a letter
- Show your documents
- Maybe even meet with someone from the IRS
“The IRS will ask you questions—not your tax preparer—because the return is in your name.”
That’s why it’s so important to understand what’s on your return and choose a tax preparer who explains everything clearly.
Where to Get Help If You Need It
If something goes wrong or you’re worried about a mistake, you don’t have to deal with it alone. Many people look up “tax consultants near me“ when they need someone to check their return or help fix a problem.
Good tax consultants can:
- Fix mistakes by filing a corrected return
- Help you deal with the IRS
- Explain things clearly
- Help you stay calm and in control
Not every issue needs a lawyer. Sometimes, a helpful consultant is also enough to make things right again.
You’re Still Responsible for Your Taxes
Even though someone else prepares your taxes, you are still the one the IRS sees as responsible. That means if there’s a mistake, it’s your job to correct it and pay any amount owed.
To avoid problems:
- Choose a preparer with a special tax ID number (called a PTIN)
- Ask them if they will e-file your return—that’s a good sign
- Ask what they will do if there’s a mistake
Some services also offer audit protection—you pay a little extra, and they help you if you’re audited later. It’s like having a backup just in case something goes wrong.
A Smart Way to Handle Tax Season Every Year
Tax season can feel confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. Using a good tax preparation service Kansas City makes the process faster, easier, and less stressful. But even then, mistakes can also happen, so it’s smart to stay informed.
Know what’s on your return. Ask questions. Keep your paperwork. Choose a tax preparer who cares about getting it right. At Gold Leaf Tax Services, clients get clear advice, fast help with mistakes, and support if the IRS ever comes calling. Whether it’s filing taxes, fixing errors, or staying on top of things, Gold Leaf Tax Services is here to help every step of the way.
