Get Publication 3107 (Rev. July 2001). EITC Tax Professional Kit

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps low- to moderate-income workers and families get a tax break. If you qualify, you can use the credit to reduce the taxes you owe – and maybe increase your refund. Did you receive a letter from the IRS about the EITC?

Applies to tax preparers who understate taxpayers' liabilities on tax returns: Understatement due to unreasonable positions — IRC § 6694(a): The penalty is $1,000 or 50% (whichever is greater) of the tax preparer's income to prepare the tax return or claim.

Paid preparers of California income tax returns or claims for refund involving the California earned income tax credit (EITC) must meet due diligence requirements in determining the taxpayer's eligibility for, and the amount of, the EITC. Failure to do so could result in a $500 penalty for each failure.

Yes, IRS reviews EITC returns filed to identify returns with errors or misinformation. IRS uses both internal information and information from external sources such as other government agencies. The information on the return is matched with information already on file with the IRS and other government agencies.

Calculating the credit First, you can calculate the credit yourself using the earned income credit worksheet and earned income credit table found in the 1040 Instruction Booklet.

All of the following are required for a tax preparer to meet their EITC due diligence requirements EXCEPT: Maintain a record of how and when EITC information was obtained and the identity of the person who provided it.

It can apply to each tax benefit claimed on a return. That means if you are paid to prepare a return claiming all three credits and HOH filing status, and you fail to meet the due diligence requirements for all four tax benefits, the IRS may assess a penalty of $560 per failure, or $2,240.

Common CTC/ACTC errors include claiming the credit for a child who: is over 16 years old at the end of the tax year, doesn't meet the dependent qualifying child requirements, or. was not a U.S. citizen, national or resident.