<thomasamillergoogle[at]yahoo.com> wrote:

- quote -

Indeed, it may not be in your best interest to witness any
taxpayer's signing a paper return to be filed.

I am reminded of a visit from an IRS CID agent who was
accompanied by an FBI agent wishing to discuss a particular
client (joint) federal income tax return. They asked me
three times whether I witnessed either of the spouses
signing the return. I explained that I had not - and had not
even seen the wife for a few years at the time. They asked
some other questions and left. Several years later the
husband and his business associates went to prison after
trial.

I never spent another moment on this matter after the agents
left.

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thomasamillergoogle[at]yahoo.com wrote:

- quote -

You may indeed set your own procedures. No IRS rules about
a paid preparer having to witness any signature on paper
returns TO BE FILED. For instance, husband brings the stuff
in, says joint return, even with wifes W2; so you prepare
same, he pays you, takes the joint return with him. Your
work is done.

However; if a new client comes in to me, same situation,
since I file all (eligible) returns electronically, I want
to see his wife sign at least the first year's form 8453 or
8829, 8729, whatever it is, so I will have that signature to
look at and compare the next year when I will allow him to
take the form home to wife to sign and bring back.

ChEAr$,
Harlan Lunsford, EA n LA
Tue, 18 Jan 2005

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- quote -

I did not see the initial post, but the answer is no such rule.

Helen, EA in PA
Director, NAEA; Immediate Past President, PSEA; Tax Expert, AOL
Enrolled Agents - THE Tax Professionals

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thomasamillergoogle[at]yahoo.com says...

- quote -

What?! Don't we have enough to do? There is no such
requirement any where in the IRC or any state's regs.

Gary

--
E-mail to the above address is rarely read. If you want to
contact me directly, please send an e-mail to: gary at
gdgoodman dot com.

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In some companies I have worked the company insisted on the
preparer witnessing the client signing the return. Is this
an IRS or govt rule? If so can someone show me the rule on
the IRS site?

I am opening my own tax preparation business and would like
to process returns by phone/fax/mail and when I am done
preparing the return I will mail it to the client to sign
and they will mail it to the IRS.

Thanks,
Tom

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