Information for Consumers and Taxpayers
Free Filing Options for All Income Levels
- If you make $73,000 or less, use free online tax prep at: getyourrefund.org or taxaide.aarpfoundation.org/online-self-and-assisted-prep
- Free tax filing options for any income level: MyFreeTaxes.com or go to IRS.gov and look for the page for IRS Free File: https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free
- TaxHelpNM will begin taking appointments again in July 2023. (For more information call 505-750-3885 or go to TaxHelpNM.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 at TaxExperts.naea.org and a directory of CPA’s at www.nmscpa.org/resources/find-a-cpa
- You can check a tax-preparer’s credentials and qualifications on the IRS website at https://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf, 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 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 here.
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
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)