Taxpayer asks:
Hi,
I just got my taxes done and I don’t see paperwork for my homestead credit or working pay credit in my taxes. I looked at last years and all of it is in that one I called and left a message with the person who did my taxes but I should get working pay credit if I own a home plus I am one dependent. Ishould get working pay credit to this year correct?
taxgirl says:
There is no Making Work Pay Credit for 2011 so you’re not going to see the paperwork (Schedule M) for that credit.
Homestead credits are not federal tax credits. I’m assuming that you’re referring to a state or local credit of some description. I can’t answer that one for you but would suggest that you follow up with your preparer if you have any questions or concerns.
Your question raises a really good point, however: it’s extremely important to review your return with your preparer. When you sign that return (or authorize e-file), you’re doing so under penalty of perjury. You need to understand what it is that you’re signing: willful ignorance isn’t an excuse. Ask your preparer to walk you through what your return says, including any accompanying schedules or additional forms or reports. If you’ve paid for state or local returns, make sure that they’re included with your paperwork and that the proper schedules are included. If you need vouchers or extra copies, make sure that you have those in hand, along with any special filing or mailing instructions.
If you’ve left without paperwork that you’ve paid for, you should definitely call up your preparer and find out what happened. It may be something as simple as having accidentally left them on a table.
Finally, be sure that you use a preparer that you trust to know the rules and to follow-up, if needed.
Before you go: be sure to read my disclaimer. Remember, I’m a lawyer and we love disclaimers.
If you have a question, here’s how to Ask The Taxgirl.
