Visit From Irs And Cid 3/30

[STEVE1]

I'm in the Milwaukee, Wi area. Got a call from an IRS agent yesterday saying she and a CID (criminal investigation division) agent would be visiting March 30th for maybe one or two hours. Said the CID person would talk to me first and then the agent. She said the main topic of discussion would be first time homebuyer credits.

I do a lot of returns, but not a high percentage of EIC. I work out of my home and do almost no advertising, all word of mouth. I am also a former IRS agent so I have to admit I am looking forward to seeing what new angles they've come up with in the last 20 years. My only question is, why couldn't they do this Jan 10 or May 10.

[Jesse]

Wow

Have you done many First Time Homebuyer returns?

Bad timing indeed!

Keep us updated.

[JohnH]

Maybe someone has entered your preparer info on a return you didn't actually prepare?

[taxmandan]

Better have a lawyer present

CID isn't looking for incorrect deductions or tax return info, their purpose is to put someone in federal prison for a crime. Could be you, could be a client or even someone you don't know. But I wouldn't talk to them without my lawyer present. Better to be safe than sorry.

[dyne]

Recently a preparer reported on a tax message board that a CID agent visited him and
after he answered a particular question the CID agent said that if he had answered that
question differently, handcuffs would have been placed upon him. I suggest that you
be very CAREFUL in what you answer. IF in doubt say that you will have to research
the issue. I agree the ONLY purpose of CID is to put someone in prison. Having an
attorney present is a good idea! Do NOT take this lightly! These people are NOT
your friends.

[jimmcg]

As a former agent you certainly know what CID does and whom they go after.....If you proceed with this without legal representation then good luck! Send us your new address.

[STEVE1]

I'm Ready

I'll update afternoon of 3/30

[BP.]

While we all await the NEW DEDUCTION report from possi, let's bump another one we are waiting to hear about. Maybe OP will get back to us . . . if he can.

[ChEAr$]

While we all await the NEW DEDUCTION report from possi, let's bump another one we are waiting to hear about. Maybe OP will get back to us . . . if he can.

IOW, if h'es not too tied up.

[Gretel]

Steve, where are you?

I sure was thinking about him yesterday. I hope this is not a bad sign.

[STEVE1]

Trying To Stay Under The Radar

I thought I'd try to just let this rest, but you remembered me. I'm touched. Anyway, before the agents came over, I looked at the IRS web site detailing the mission of CID. Their business plan for the next 4 years includes getting cozy with tax preparers.

The agents, both young ladies, took turns going over FTHB credits with me. Seems that among the 26 I did in 2008, 3 of them looked possibly questionable. I remembered the most questionable one, and offered an explanation that seemed to satisfy them.

The IRS agent went over specific points of the credit, and the CID agent spent some time telling what happens in the event of preparer fraud. You all know that story.

They were quite friendly the whole time and it went well. It appears they will be doing these IRS/CID meetings with more regularity the next few years.

Wish I had a more compelling story to tell, but they came, talked, left and now I'm going about getting more returns done over the next two weeks.

[DaveO]

Thanks for the followup.

[BP.]

Excellent news. And thanks for the info.

[Super Mom]

Good for you! Thanks for the info!