Information for Consumers and Taxpayers

Free Filing Options for All Income Levels

• If you make $65,000 or less, or you are 65+, you qualify for free in-person or online preparation with Tax Help New Mexico. Call 505-750-3885 or go to uwncnm.org/tax-help-new-mexico
• Do your own taxes online for free at MyFreeTaxes.com, GetYourRefund.org or taxaide.aarpfoundation.org

If You Use a Paid Tax Preparer

• If you choose to hire a paid tax preparer, hire an IRS-enrolled agent or certified Public Accountant (CPA). You can find a list of local enrolled agents on the NAEAs Find a Tax Expert Directory and a directory of CPA’s on the New Mexico society for CPA's website.
• You can check a tax-preparer’s credentials and qualifications on the IRS website, or for help with hiring a qualified preparer, call 311.
• You can purchase tax prep software online. This can cost between $10-$150 or more depending on how complex your tax return is and how much help or extra products you buy. Look up some articles from a reputable source comparing the cost and quality of tax prep software before you decide which one to use.
• Review the Know Your Rights information below and make sure you understand how much you will be charged for the services and products you choose.

Know Your Rights

• The tax preparer must tell you about their training and provide you with their federal tax preparer number ("PTIN Number")
• The tax preparer must provide you with a list of all fees you may be charged.
• The tax preparer must offer written disclosures in English and Spanish. If the consumer speaks another language, the consumer must be allowed time to locate a translator, if desired.
• The tax preparer must provide you with the total amount you will be charged before you are required to pay.
• You have the right to have your refund deposited into your bank account or sent to you via check. The tax preparer cannot require that you take a refund loan, paycard, or that your refund be deposited into a different bank account.
• If you do choose to have your fees deducted from your refund or take a refund anticipation loan or paycard, the tax preparer must provide you with disclosures that show the interest and fees you will be charged for those products.
• You have the right to review your return before it is filed - do not sign a return with blank spaces for the preparer to fill out later.
• The tax preparer must give you a copy of your tax return at no extra charge and give you back any original documents you provided.
• Tax preparers cannot say things that are false or misleading.
• You can read the full text of the Albuquerque Tax Preparer's Ordinance for more information.

What to Watch Out for

• The tax preparer must sign the returns they have prepared for you. It is illegal for a tax preparer to fail to sign a return they prepared and tell you to file it as "self-prepared"
• Check your return for mistakes or wrong information. If you don't understand something, ask for an explanation.
• Be careful about extra products or add-on services - they may not be worth the cost. Make sure you understand and agree to all the charges on your invoice.
• Tax refund loans, advances or "instant refunds": these are not a faster way to get your refund, they are a loan with fees and interest. Make sure you understand the cost of these products before you agree to them. 

How to Report Problems with a Tax Preparer

You should report any problems you have with a tax preparer in Albuquerque to the Office of Consumer Protection by calling 311 or online.

Tax Disputes with the IRS or NMTRD

• You may qualify for assistance from the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic. Find out by calling New Mexico Legal Aid at 833-545-4357.
• You may qualify for assistance from the IRS Local Taxpayer Advocate.

Other Helpful Resources

Upcoming free online tax workshops with New Mexico Legal Aid Low-Income Tax Clinic: Learn what benefits and claims you may be eligible for this year:

February 1, 2024 6:00 PM - Federal tax workshop in English

March 5, 2024, 6:00 PM - Federal and state tax workshop in English

March 26, 2024, 6:00 PM - Federal and state tax workshop in Spanish

RSVP here for any of the workshops – https://uwunited.com/Tax-Prep-2024

New Mexico Legal Aid Low Income Tax Clinic resource page: Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) | New Mexico Legal Aid

IRS Tips to help people choose a reputable tax preparer | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov)

Beware of "ghost" preparers who don’t sign tax returns | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov)

Tax Scams / Consumer Alerts | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov)

For a printable flyer with tax prep information, click here