What Happens If Your Tax Preparer Make a Mistak?

Doing taxes can feel confusing, especially with all the forms and rules. That’s why many people get help from experts who offer tax preparation service Staten Island. These professionals know how to fill out tax forms and ensure everything is correct.

But what happens if the tax preparer makes a mistake? Can you get into trouble even if you didn’t do anything wrong? These are important questions, and knowing the answers can help you stay safe and avoid problems with the IRS.

“Even one small mistake on your taxes can lead to big trouble—like penalties or delays.”

If you’re using a tax expert, this blog will help you understand what could go wrong, who is responsible, and how to protect yourself.

Understanding Who’s Liable for a Mistake: You or the Tax Preparation Service Staten Island?

Even if a professional fills out your taxes, you are the one the IRS holds responsible. Also, if something is wrong, the IRS will come to you first—not your tax preparer.

But if the mistake happened because the tax preparer did something wrong, they may have to take some responsibility. Still, it’s up to you to check the return before signing it.

Tip: Always look over your tax return before you sign it. Moreover,  make sure everything looks right.

Common Mistakes Tax Preparers Make

Most tax preparers do a good job, but mistakes can still happen. Some common errors include:

• Typing the wrong Social Security Number

• Forgetting to include a tax credit

• Writing the wrong income

• Using old tax laws that have changed

• Choosing the wrong filing status

These mistakes can also cause delays in getting your refund or lead to penalties. The IRS may still ask you to fix it even if it's not your fault.

The Fallout from a Tax Preparer’s Error

You might have to deal with a few problems when there's a mistake. These can also include:

• Getting a letter from the IRS asking for more information

• Owing more money

• Paying extra fees (called penalties)

• Waiting longer for your refund

• Feeling stressed or confused

It’s not fun to deal with these things, especially when you trusted someone else to do your taxes correctly.

Insight: The IRS also sees your tax return as your responsibility—even if someone else helped prepare it.

How Professional Preparers Should Respond

If the mistake happened because of the tax preparer, they should help you fix it. A good preparer will:

• Send in a corrected return

• Talk to the IRS for you

• Pay for any penalty that happened because of their mistake

This also shows they care about doing a good job. Moreover, some professionals even have insurance to help cover the cost if something goes wrong.

How to Reduce the Risk of Errors

You can help prevent mistakes by doing a few simple things:

• Keep your papers and receipts in one place

• Give your tax preparer all the right information

• Ask questions if you’re unsure about anything

• Carefully check your return before you sign it

Tip: Work with someone who is trained and keeps up with the latest tax changes.

Know Where to Look for Help

If something does go wrong, it’s also important to fix it quickly. You can search online for business tax preparation near me to find trusted professionals who can help.

If your current preparer doesn’t know how to fix the problem—or won’t help—it might be time to find someone else. An expert will also know how to talk to the IRS, correct the return, and avoid bigger problems.

Reminder: The faster you fix the mistake, the better your chances of avoiding extra costs.

Role of Amended Returns

If your tax return is mistaken, the solution is often to send in a new one called an “amended return.” This is a special form (Form 1040-X) that helps fix:

• Income that was left out or entered the wrong

• Deductions or credits that were missed

• Your filing status if it was wrong

You usually have three years to fix a mistake, but it’s better to do it sooner. A good tax preparer will also fix the error without charging you again—especially if it was their fault.

Legal and Ethical Protections

There are rules that tax preparers must follow. The IRS can fine or punish preparers who:

• Don’t follow the rules

• Make false claims

• Don’t give you a copy of your return

You can also report a bad preparer to the IRS. And in some cases, you may be able to take legal action if you lost money because of their mistake.

Insight: Good tax preparers follow the rules and treat their clients fairly.

How to Choose a Responsible Preparer

Not every tax preparer is the same. Look for someone who:

• Has a license or special training (like an Enrolled Agent or CPA)

• Explain their fees clearly

• Offers help if you get audited

• Has insurance to cover any mistakes

Be careful with preparers who also promise big refunds or ask for a cut of your refund money.

Tip: You can check a preparer’s credentials on the IRS website to ensure they are qualified.

What Experts Recommend

Tax professionals often give this advice to stay safe:

• Keep a copy of your tax return

• Don’t sign a blank return

• Ask your preparer to explain anything you don’t understand

• Keep your tax documents in a safe place

Quote: “It’s smart to trust your tax preparer—but smarter to understand what they do.”

A Brighter Path Forward

Sometimes, tax preparers make mistakes, but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck. You have the power to fix things if you act quickly and know what to do. Picking the right tax preparation service Staten Island is one of the best ways to avoid trouble.

At Shibu P Thomas, EA, MBA, MS - Licensed IRS Enrolled Agent, we fix tax issues, help file accurate returns, and guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re filing taxes for your family or your business, we make the process simple, safe, and stress-free.