How to Work with a Tax Professional to Claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

You’re responsible for what's on your tax return, whether you have someone prepare it or you do it yourself. Follow these steps to work with a tax professional to claim the credit:

1. Choose a Tax Preparer

When choosing a tax preparer, consider the following tips:

• Look for a qualified and experienced tax professional.
• Check their credentials and make sure they have a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN).
• Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues.
• Research online reviews and ratings.
• Interview potential tax preparers to ensure they understand your specific tax situation.

2. Bring the Documents You Need

When meeting with your tax preparer, make sure to bring the following documents:

• Social Security documents: Social Security cards, a Social Security number verification letter, or other U.S. government document that verifies everyone you include on your tax return.
• Birth dates for everyone you include on your tax return.
• Copies of last year's federal and state tax returns if you have them.
• All records of income such as:
  • Forms W-2 and 1099.
  • Social Security.
  • Unemployment.
  • Pensions, stocks, and interest.
  • Any documents showing taxes withheld or money paid to you.
• All records of expenses such as:
  • Tuition receipts.
  • Mortgage interest or real estate tax receipts.
  • Receipts and any document to prove an expense you paid.
• All information reporting forms such as:
  • Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement.
  • Form 1095-B, Health Coverage, or Form 1095-C, Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage.
• Bank routing numbers and account numbers to direct deposit your refund.
• Dependent childcare information:
  • Name and address of paid caretakers.
  • Their Social Security number or other tax identification number.

For more information on how to prepare to claim the EITC, see Publication 4716, Be Prepared to Get the Refundable Credits You Earned.

3. Know the Questions Your Tax Preparer May Ask You

Your tax preparer will ask you many questions to determine your correct:

• Income.
• Expenses.
• Deductions.
• Credits.

It’s important to answer all the questions and provide your preparer with all the necessary information. Remember, you’re responsible for what's on your tax return. If your tax return has errors, it may be audited, which can delay or reduce your refund or result in additional tax, penalties, and interest.

For more information on how to avoid common errors on your EITC claim, see Publication 4717, Help Your Tax Preparer Get You the EITC You Earned.

4. Review and Sign Your Tax Return

Before signing your tax return, make sure to:

• Have your preparer review your tax return with you and ensure you understand what’s on it.
• Verify that your tax return is complete and correct.
• Never sign a blank form.
• Keep a copy of the tax return you signed.

If a paid preparer prepared your return, they must enter their Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) and sign the return. If a volunteer prepared your return at a preparation site, they should use the site identification number. If a non-paid volunteer prepared your return, they should not sign it.

By following these steps and working with a tax professional, you can ensure that your Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) claim is accurate and maximize your potential refund.