Category: Filing

Where To Mail Tax Returns and Amendments

For tax returns expecting a refund, mail return to the address assigned to your state:

For tax returns enclosing a check or money order, mail to the address assigned to your state:

Amendments should be mailed to the address assigned to your state:

Note: When mailing a paper return or amendment, double-check you’ve signed. If you had a professional prepare the return, their signature must be on the return, as well. The IRS only accepts wet signatures on mailed returns.

4 Things To Do When Using A Paid Tax Preparer

  • Verify the personal data of everyone listed on the return. An incorrect social security number or a misspelled name might cause a delay to your return. Also check that your address is correct so that you receive IRS correspondence on time. Tax preparers are human after all, and mistakes are possible.
  • Many tax preparers will review taxpayers’ returns with them, but if they don’t, ask to see a summary of the return. See that the numbers seem reasonable, especially wages and refunds. A very high refund might sound great, but if you’ve never received such a high amount, you should investigate why you’re getting one.
  • Verify the forms being filed. If you only have W2s, there is no reason for there to be a Schedule C in the return. There have been instances of tax fraud in which tax preparers file unnecessary Schedule Cs to either pump up income to qualify for credits, or to deduct non-deductible expenses to decrease a tax liability.
  • A paid tax preparer is required to have a PTIN (preparer tax identification number). Several states, like California, also have their own requirements. A preparer’s name and PTIN should be at the bottom of the 1040. A paid tax return should never say, “Self-Prepared.”