[Texan_Stuck_In_OK]

So I’ve been working on increasing my tax clients outside of my full time job. I bought a new car recently (my gift to myself for passing) and when I was talking to the finance guy we got on the tax subject. He said he had already filed but didn’t get the refund he expected. So I told him that I would check his return for free and if there was something we could amend I would do that for him for a fee.

I just finished looking at this return. I am in SHOCK! It was prepared by a local tax service and notary company that I had never heard of. First red flag on Schedule A under other taxes was the explanation of “Loans interest paid.” Next one on Form 2106 Employee Business expenses was mileage of 250 miles. Didn’t fill in total miles and answered No to having supporting documentation and having another vehicle available. THEN, there is a 4562 claiming depreciation on the same vehicle for 50% business usage. Then there is another 4562 for his wife’s car who works as a General Clerk claiming 50% business use depreciation. Oh, and between the two of them they claimed $3000 in expenses for professional clothing that ended up on the Schedule A.

So I emailed the tax payer and explained that there are some obvious errors that will possibly trigger an audit. I offered to file an amended return and I’m waiting to see what he says. I know that is my only responsibility, to inform the taxpayer of the error and it is up to him to fix, but I am so appalled that this tax preparer actually did this. I really want to go down there and ask them what the heck they were thinking! What would you guys do?

A 88, B 76, F 84, R 76 Passed 2014

Licensed in OK