Tax Season Tips & Hints: Avoid Fraud & Ensure a Smooth Tax Refund
Tax season is here again. We encourage you to read the following tips & hints to make filing your taxes easier.
Getting a Refund? Make Sure You're Using the Correct SCCU Routing & Account Number!
If you are having your tax refund direct deposited to an SCCU account, you will need SCCU's Routing Number and your correct account number. SCCU's Routing Number is 263177903 and you may find your account number (including your 13-digit electronic checking account number if you are depositing to your checking account) on your monthly statement. You may also call the Member Service Center for assistance. Please note that failure to use the correct numbers may result in delayed or denied payments.
Tax Preparation Discounts
Save on your 2012 tax preparation services in person at any Jackson Hewitt location or online with TurboTax using SCCU's Member Discount Program!
Avoid Tax Return Preparer Fraud
If you need assistance when preparing a tax return, it is important that you choose a tax preparer with care. It is important to know that even if someone else prepares a tax return for you, the taxpayer is ultimately responsible for all the information on the tax return.
The IRS recommends these helpful hints when choosing a return preparer:
- Be careful with tax preparers who claim they can obtain larger refunds than other preparers.
- Avoid preparers who base their fee on a percentage of the amount of the refund.
- Use a reputable tax professional who signs your tax return and provides you with a copy for your records.
- Consider whether the individual or firm will be around to answer questions about the preparation of your tax return months, or even years, after the return has been filed.
- Review your return before you sign it and ask questions on entries you don't understand.
- No matter who prepares your tax return, you (the taxpayer) are ultimately responsible for all of the information on your tax return. Therefore, never sign a blank tax form.
- Find out the person's credentials. Only attorneys, CPAs and enrolled agents can represent taxpayers before the IRS in all matters including audits, collection and appeals. Other return preparers may only represent taxpayers for audits of returns they actually prepared.
- Find out if the preparer is affiliated with a professional organization that provides its members with continuing education and resources and holds them to a code of ethics.
- Ask questions. Do you know anyone who has used the tax professional? Were they satisfied with the service they received?
Visit IRS.gov for more information on choosing a return preparer and what to do if you suspect tax fraud activity.
