Include Bus card w/1099-misc

[Justataxguy]

Speaking of ethics and since IRS feels putting a business card in with a W2 is a lapse of same, I'd like to tell them what I think about their selling our names, addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers to telemarketers.

And every tax "educator" that has popped up in the last couple years!

[DexEA]

I happen not to have a high-priced legal team to guide me. I send nothing to anyone other than my client unless I have a signed consent to disclose on record specifically for that recipient.

There's no reason for me to tippy-toe along a line which may result in consequences I'm not willing to chance.

I'm in agreement with you. However, I'm guessing the HRB haters are incorrect in accusing HRB of doing illegal activities. One can have an opinion that it is unethical, but I doubt that it is not "legal".

[ttbtaxes]

I happen not to have a high-priced legal team to guide me. I send nothing to anyone other than my client unless I have a signed consent to disclose on record specifically for that recipient.

There's no reason for me to tippy-toe along a line which may result in consequences I'm not willing to chance.

[DexEA]

All Footlocker Employees received discount coupons from JacksoHewitt

The W-2's don't come in an envelope, they are in the perforated forms similar to the Social Security 1099-SSA's - you "pop" it open and attached is a JacksonHewitt offer "available to all Footlocker Employees". I guess you could say it isn't included in the envelope as there is none, it is not printed on any copy of the W-2, but it is attached and perforated as part of the mailing.

I've seen the same with HRB, but off the top of my head I can't remember what companies, (Old Navy or The Gap I think). I'm sure the legal departments have checked out to make sure the advertising is compliant. I have nothing against these companies, they have no less rights to be in the business of tax prep as does you or I, and as with any profession there are good and bad employees/business'.

And there are some darn good HRB board participants that contribute on the TTB Forum, and which I appreciate just as much as any other preparer with a title or two behind their name.

[Jiggers]

Wouldn't that be a laugh if my clients worked for HRB, etc

Maybe, maybe not. Maybe they know quality work!

I have IRS employees as clients. And one CPA who works for her attorney husband doing his bookkeeping, but no knowledge of tax returns! She is also a beneficiary/trustee of a large trust. I also do that return for her.

[taxea]

Yes, I'm sure your clients will appreciate your getting their employer in trouble, especially since their name would be on the document you are providing as proof. The employer might even single them out for special recognition.

Wouldn't that be a laugh if my clients worked for HRB, etc

[JohnH]

Just because they do it doesn't make it legal to do it. I don't know how they get away with it but I would turn them in.

Yes, I'm sure your clients will appreciate your getting their employer in trouble, especially since their name would be on the document you are providing as proof. The employer might even single them out for special recognition.

[Lion]

Tell your Congress people what you think about the Freedom of Information Act.

[Black Bart]

...If you have comments about the restrictions on including logos, slogans, and advertising on information returns and payee copies, send or email your comments to: Internal Revenue Service, Attn: Substitute Forms Program, SE:W:CAR:MP:T:M:S, 1111 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 6526, Washington, DC 20224 or substitute forms@irs.gov

Speaking of ethics and since IRS feels putting a business card in with a W2 is a lapse of same, I'd like to tell them what I think about their selling our names, addresses, email adresses, and phone numbers to telemarketers.

Okay, no; I don't know if they actually sell them or if TMs get them by FOI, but there ought to be some way to protect our information.

[taxea]

Really? What about those W-2 forms printed with discount coupons for tax prep at the major chains? How did this circular 230 "violation" get past their high-priced legal departments?

Just because they do it doesn't make it legal to do it. I don't know how they get away with it but I would turn them in.

[JohnH]

Honestly I've yet to see this coupon but I've seen promotional items included with 1099 DIV and INTs. Some of the mutual fund companies have 1099 DIVs that are hard to even find with all the other information they are blasting at you on the forms. I'll have to pay attention to this more going forward.

Next time I see one, I'll try to remember to scan it and post it here (without client confidentail info, of course).

[FEDUKE404]

Sounds like NO advertising ??

IMRS Issue 12-0001531 – Prohibited Practitioner Advertising

Issue: Practitioner advertising is prohibited on Forms W-2 and other information returns (reference Rev Proc 2011-62 and Publication 1141), but are there restrictions on including practitioner advertising with Forms W-2 and other information returns?

Response: No additional enclosures, such as advertising, promotional material, or a quarterly or annual report, are permitted. Even a sentence or two on the year-end statement describing new services offered by the payer is not permitted. Logos, slogans and advertising may be used on any permissible enclosure such as a check or account statement, other than information returns and payee copies. See the general instructions of the information return for a list of permissible enclosures.

As indicated in Sections 1.3.1 and 5.1.3, of this revenue procedure, Forms 1096, 1097-BTC, 1098, 1099, 3921, 3922, 5498, W-2G, 1042-S, and 8935 are subject to annual review and possible change. If you have comments about the restrictions on including logos, slogans, and advertising on information returns and payee copies, send or email your comments to: Internal Revenue Service, Attn: Substitute Forms Program, SE:W:CAR:MP:T:M:S, 1111 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 6526, Washington, DC 20224 or substitute forms@irs.gov


I guess those lawyers can figure it all out....


FE

[Roberts]

Really? What about those W-2 forms printed with discount coupons for tax prep at the major chains? How did this circular 230 "violation" get past their high-priced legal departments?

Honestly I've yet to see this coupon but I've seen promotional items included with 1099 DIV and INTs. Some of the mutual fund companies have 1099 DIVs that are hard to even find with all the other information they are blasting at you on the forms. I'll have to pay attention to this more going forward.

[BP.]

Really? What about those W-2 forms printed with discount coupons for tax prep at the major chains? How did this circular 230 "violation" get past their high-priced legal departments?

Agree! I have had to detach franchise coupons from the W-2.

[JohnH]

Really? What about those W-2 forms printed with discount coupons for tax prep at the major chains? How did this circular 230 "violation" get past their high-priced legal departments?