Information for Consumers and Taxpayers
Free tax prep options and your rights if you hire a paid tax preparer
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
- AARP in-person tax prep is fully booked. (For more information call 888-227-7669 or go to https://www.cabq.gov/seniors/aarp-tax-assistance)
- TaxHelpNM in-person tax prep is fully booked. (For more information call 505-750-3885 or go toTaxHelpNM.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
There will be a "Know Your Rights" virtual event in Spanish on March 23, 2023, at 6:00 PM hosted by New Mexico Legal Aid and Unemployed Workers United. This event will cover Federal and state tax credits, tax preparation, and the Albuquerque Tax Preparer’s ordinance. Please register for the event at: https://actionnetwork.org/forms/de-preparacion-de-impuestos-para-nuevo-mexico
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)