What If My Tax Preparer Made a Mistake? Steps to Take
Informative guide offering clear signs of tax preparer errors and step-by-step solutions, from review to reporting, to protect your finances.
What if my tax preparer made a mistake? Most taxpayers don’t expect to ask themselves this question because they believe professionals hardly make errors. But that’s a misconception. A recent study by the Government Accountability Office estimated that only 10% of tax preparers at complex tax preparation chains correctly calculated tax refunds. In a separate report, GAO noted that professionals made more errors than individual tax filers.
In other words, the process of filing tax returns can be complex even for experts, sometimes leading to costly errors. And if you suspect that your tax preparer made a mistake, you must take immediate steps to correct it. Otherwise, the IRS will hold you responsible for that error (to avoid common pitfalls next season, also check out our guide on making your tax season trouble-free). Here is a quick guide on how to get yourself out of such a situation.
Table of Contents
How to Identify Tax Preparer Mistakes
“I think my tax preparer made a mistake” isn’t sufficient ground to take action. If you’re going to hold the professional accountable for their misconduct, you must confirm whether your returns actually contain errors. Here is how to spot prevalent mistakes:
What If My Tax Preparer Made a Mistake?
Identify Mistakes
- Missing SSNs
- Incorrect filing status
- Math errors
- Wrong routing/account numbers
- Unsigned forms
Steps to Correct
- Review return & compare with documents
- Contact preparer to correct the issue
- File amended return (Form 1040-X)
Reporting Misconduct
- File complaint with Form 14157
- Use Form 14157-A if no consent to file return
Prevention Tips
- Choose a qualified preparer (CPA, EA, attorney)
- Verify credentials & reviews
- Review your return before filing
Common Errors in Tax Returns
Unprofessional or inexperienced tax preparers can make the following mistakes:
- Missing or inaccurate Social Security Numbers
- Incorrect filing status, especially for married and unmarried taxpayers
- Math errors when complex calculations are involved
- Incorrect routing and bank account numbers
- Unsigned forms for joint filers
For a deeper look at deduction slip‑ups and how to avoid them, see our overview of common tax deductions for small businesses.
Signs That Your Tax Return May Contain Mistakes
If a tax preparer made mistake when filing your returns, the IRS might reach out to you with a notice or discrepancy letter. But what if this doesn’t happen? Here are some signs to watch out for if you suspect a mistake:
- You receive a larger or smaller-than-expected refund
- You are unable to verify claimed credits or deductions that appear in your returns
- You receive a wrong tax owed report due to math errors
- Your state tax return is inconsistent with the federal return
- The tax preparer withholds a copy of your return
Have Questions About Tax Preparation?
Steps to Take If Your Tax Preparer Made a Mistake
My tax preparer made a mistake what can I do? While errors are prone to happen, you can take several steps to rectify them and avoid hefty fines and penalties from the IRS. Here is how to do it:
1. Review Your Tax Return for Errors
Review a copy of your tax return and compare it to your previous taxation documents, including receipts and IRS-issued forms. You can also turn to modern tools, such as the Interactive Tax Assistant to compare erroneous credits or deductions.
If you’d rather have an expert double‑check your entries, our Tax Advisory & Preparation service can help.
2. Contact Your Tax Preparer to Address the Issue
Reach out to your tax preparer and notify them of the mistakes. A professional expert will rectify the mistakes as soon as possible and provide documentation to confirm the corrections.
If you need a trusted CPA firm, our team at Evans Sternau CPA Services is ready to assist.
3. File an Amended Return (Form 1040-X) If Needed
You might need to file an amended return if the mistakes affect your tax liability. Fill in Form 1040-X and file it with the IRS.
How to Report a Tax Preparer for Misconduct
You can report a tax preparer for misconduct if your complaint is less than three years old. The IRS allows victims to submit Form 14157-A if the professional filed a return without the client’s consent. Alternatively, you can file a general complaint using Form 14157 and accompany it with supporting documentation to address all your concerns.
How to Prevent Future Tax Filing Mistakes
The best way to avoid unnecessary tax filing mistakes is by preventing them from happening in the first place. While the IRS might allow you to fix mistakes, you can take proactive steps to ensure you don’t land in trouble. This includes:
Choosing a Qualified and Trustworthy Tax Preparer
Most tax preparers are honest, hardworking, and trustworthy. However, you must know how to find them. This means you must check their credentials to verify their experience and specialty. Confirm whether the expert is a CPA, Enrolled Agent, or a tax attorney with a valid practicing license. You might also want to check online reviews by past clients to verify whether the professional can be trusted.
To make sure you cover all bases, here are the top questions to ask when selecting a CPA.
Reviewing Your Tax Return Before Submission
As the last line of defense, you should review your tax return personally before allowing the professional to submit it on your behalf. When doing this, ensure that all entries are accurate. These include eligible deductions and any other additional expenses you might want to report.
Keeping clean, well‑organized financials makes that final review much smoother—read why here: Importance of Keeping Clean Financial Statements.
And for a quick checklist of every deduction to consider, see our Business Tax Deduction Cheat Sheet.
