Requests not to send Taxpayer copy of return

[connors]

We do alot of accounting as well as recordkeeping of financial and other information for our clients along with their tax work. We've had many requests from clients to just file the taxpayer copy of their return at our office for them because they don't want to send it back to us (we provide a return envelope, so it's not a question of paying postage.)

I know we are required to provide them a TP copy but am wondering if there is anyway to get around this since they have the filing copy to review and they specifically said they do not want the TP copy sent to them.

[Bees Knees]

If you are in Minnesota, you are required to be e-filing their return. Then the TP copy is all they would need or have.

I also don't understand why they would ever need to return the TP copy back to your office.

[ChEAr$]

Simple solution

We do alot of accounting as well as recordkeeping of financial and other information for our clients along with their tax work. We've had many requests from clients to just file the taxpayer copy of their return at our office for them because they don't want to send it back to us (we provide a return envelope, so it's not a question of paying postage.)

I know we are required to provide them a TP copy but am wondering if there is anyway to get around this since they have the filing copy to review and they specifically said they do not want the TP copy sent to them.

Yes you have to provide client with a copy, so why would he want to send his copy back to you?
After all, you have a copy, right? If not printed, at least on hard drive. Tell him that, and he can
do what he wants with his copy.

Actually I'm thinking he doesn't want a copy on premises for his wife to look at! (grin

[connors]

funny

They don't want the copy because we keep their records and if they would need it for anything, we would be the ones handling any paperwork so it's easier if we have it in our office because we can put our hands on it faster than they could if it was filed at home.

[Koss]

Client Copy

Have the client sign something stating that they received a copy and reviewed it.

Then, on that same form, offer the client three options, where they check the boxes that reflect their choices:

(1) I want a paper copy of my tax return

(2) I want an electronic PDF of my tax return

(3) I do not want ANY copy of my tax return, because I do not have a secure location to store it

Then add something about how much you're going to charge if they call you eight months or two years later, and demand that you drop everything you are doing to immediately fax or fedex a copy to them

Burton M. Koss
koss@usakoss.net

[S T]

Preparer

As a preparer you are required to keep a copy, aren't we?
If t/p doesn't want a paper copy, furnishing them a PDF copy on CD sounds appropriate, as long as they have access to a computer.

Sandy

[BOB W]

This SMELLS of a coverup for the spouse...................Be sure to protect yourself.....

[Kram BergGold]

not required to keep a copy

We are only required to keep a list of our clients for 3 years and to keep E-file forms with the W-2 forms.

[Donald Rihn, EA]

Client Copy

For clients that I do monthly bookkeeping, I give them all a copy of their tax return and all payroll returns.

They look at them and then tell me to file them with their stuff.

[Fuzzy Faced Leader]

I have had some clients do this. After giving them the filing copy, in the office, they ask that I keep their copy in my file. The reason usually is that they are terrible at keeping records, and would probably lose it anyway. Then they would have to call me to get another copy. IMHO, once they are given the return, that fulfills the requirement. If they send it, or give it back to you, it's immaterial.

[S T]

List vs copies of returns

Kram,

I could be mistaken, but I thought the list was only for purposes to identify the returns filed electronically and the supporting documentation.

Aren't we still required to retain either a paper copy or after 12-31-02 an electronic copy of the taxpayers return? And then doesn't it also vary according to the State requirements.

Sandy

[JG EA]

Before it was OK to keep only electronic records there was an alternative to keeping paper files. It was a list with names and social security numbers and years their taxes were done.

I always did both incase something happened to my paper files.

[Bees Knees]

funny

They don't want the copy because we keep their records and if they would need it for anything, we would be the ones handling any paperwork so it's easier if we have it in our office because we can put our hands on it faster than they could if it was filed at home.

Since you already are suppose to keep your own copy of their return, you still haven't answered the question why they have to return their copy to you.

Tell them if they don't want their copy, throw it away. Why waste postage having them return their copy to you?

[Jesse]

Before it was OK to keep only electronic records there was an alternative to keeping paper files. It was a list with names and social security numbers and years their taxes were done.

I always did both incase something happened to my paper files.

I know I read this as well that only a list with names and social security numbers and years their taxes were done needs to be kept for so many years, can't remember for sure where, possibly circ 230, but I as well keep a copy of any tax return I prepar.

[thomtax]

Me too

Since you already are suppose to keep your own copy of their return, you still haven't answered the question why they have to return their copy to you.

Tell them if they don't want their copy, throw it away. Why waste postage having them return their copy to you?

That has piqued (sp) my curiosity also.

LT