From IRS-Reporting Fraud-Ethical

[ChEAr$]

there may be a difference here.

originally we were talking about ratting on clients, a client being defined as someone for
whom you prepare return(s).

Your situation might be different given the non relationship.

You decide.

[janelljo]

A few years ago I had a client that I prepared several years worth of returns for. Due to a situation she was in I needed to get POA for her. Through our interviews, I determined that she was not eligible for the EIC. A year or two after filing those returns for her, someone told her that she should go back and amend the returns I had done and receive the EIC. Because I had POA, the IRS began sending me letters telling of the status of her new found refunds. I called the client and told her that she wasn't eligible for the EIC and that she should not move forward with it. She obviously ignored me as I kept receiving paperwork from the IRS. I went back and forth as to what I should do about it and finally decided to notify the IRS. I called them and wrote them. Shortly after that I got a phone call from a VERY PISSED OFF client screaming at me for turning her in. Come to find out, by being a good citizen and protecting taxpayer money, the blanking IRS told her that I had reported her. As upset as she was, I was concerned for my family's safety. When I called the IRS to "chat" about the matter, I was told that the employee would be disciplined. Needless to say, as much as I hate seeing someone take advantage of our system, I would never notify the IRS again. I've learned my lesson.

[Nashville]

Know the Devil

When I called the IRS to "chat" about the matter, I was told that the employee would be disciplined. Needless to say, as much as I hate seeing someone take advantage of our system, I would never notify the IRS again. I've learned my lesson.

Know the devil before you deal with him. IRS has no intention of "disciplining" the taxpayer, truth of the matter is they don't really want to send someone off their butt and even locate these taxpayers. Not only that, Congress doesn't want them going after EIC people - and I have some very strong information to support this.

It is much easier for them to come down upon regulated tax preparers and make our life miserable. Taxea, start living in the real world. The John H depiction of this situation is very realistic - not just a stretch of the imagination.

[taxea]

Nashville...to each his own. I would have done more to insure that the IRS employee got more than just a reprimand for exposing me and putting me in potential danger. One stupid employee is not going to prevent me from doing what is right in the future.

Janeillo-pull your POA and you will no longer get letters. Had you filled out the report form rather than speak to anyone at the IRS you probably would not have been exposed. taxea

[JohnH]

Yeah, expose yourself to a messy lawsuit with an ex-client AND at the same time have the people down at IRS mad at you for getting one of their folks in trouble. This has all the earmarks of a really sound business plan to me.

[thomtax]

Yeah, expose yourself to a messy lawsuit with an ex-client AND at the same time have the people down at IRS mad at you for getting one of their folks in trouble. This has all the earmarks of a really sound business plan to me.

Say John - what would I have to do to get you to stop being shy and to tell us your real opinion? Although, to be honest, your thinking is along the same line as mine. But I live by the "live coward" philosophy.

LT

[David1980]

So could I use this to report any clients that either don't want to pay me, or don't want to do taxes my way? Kind of a "Do it my way or I'll report you!" threat?

[JohnH]

Say John - what would I have to do to get you to stop being shy and to tell us your real opinion? Although, to be honest, your thinking is along the same line as mine. But I live by the "live coward" philosophy.

LT

Yes I'm often accused of being shy and obtuse.

But I've got to admit that David has me thinking about this whole issue from a slightly different angle. Maybe it's a matter of whose ox is being gored.

[taxea]

some of you watch tooooo much TV. I trust you will figure out who you are. taxea

[JohnH]

Possibly, but you'd have a slightly different view if you ever had a client to call & tell you there's an FBI agent in their office asking questions about another of your clients. It's times like that when reality begins to override theory.

You seem very knowledgeable about taxes in general and I don't know how long you've been at this, but a little more experience might alter your perception. Sometimes it's harmless to be naive, but remember it has the potential to be bad for your financial well-being.

[thomtax]

Possibly, but you'd have a slightly different view if you ever had a client to call & tell you there's an FBI agent in their office asking questions about another of your clients. It's times like that when reality begins to override theory.

Always keep in mind this fact:

"Just because I'm paranoid, doesn't mean that they are not out to get me."

LT

[taxea]

JohnH...sorry, aint gonna happen. taxea