I'm in a hole

[Brian EA]

Fake w2

I Will Send Them To H&r Jh Or Liberty

[mag]

The way I understand it if the W-2 is fake with an erronious EIN you cannot electronically file it.

[S T]

Probably Not

I probably would not contact the employer, but then how are we suppose to know that the W-2 is a fake?

What is the proper protocol if we think we have a "fake W-2"?

Unfortunately the W-2 forms are not 100% standardized, we know what to look for from ADP, paychex, QB, and a few others, but I suppose those can be duplicated just like any other document.

Thank goodness, I do very few EIC returns and I have no walk in clients!

S

[sea-tax]

I agree with you . If I truely felt the w-2 was a fake I would fire the client . I don't need the money that bad to get involved with a cheat. otherwise file the return and keep on a movin but definately no phone call. Not my place.

[skhyatt]

Are we as tax preparers supposed to be detectives? I'm not sure I would feel comfortable calling an employer. On the other hand, if I truly felt the document was fake, I'm not sure I would proceed with the return. Off the top of my head, isn't there something regarding preparer responsibilities on this?

[jainen]

a reprehensible rumor

>>a taxpayer received a W-2 for wages that are not his and from an employer that he was not employed by??<<

Of course it is probably just a reprehensible rumor, but it is said that certain American citizens will forge a wage statement in the exact amount needed for maximum EIC. In this imaginary scenario, an innocent Electronic Return Originator could supposedly be tricked into signing off on the refund before the IRS document match program kicks in.

[S T]

???

Jainen,
Are you saying that a taxpayer received a W-2 for wages that are not his and from an employer that he was not employed by?? But the W-2 is in the t/p name and social security #?
What are the circumstances?

Sandy

[jainen]

My friends, I'm in a hole on one of the other software forums, and I hope the greater wisdom here can dig me out. The question came up as to whether you should call an employer to verify a W-2 if you suspect it is fake. It was a popular thread with a dozen detectives weighing in. I was all alone in the minority opinion that it was not a good thing to do.

As usual, I don't mind being odd man out if you all care to join your colleagues against me. But isn't there anyone here who will champion my side? How should we handle those $12000 W-2's we're going to see next week?