Tax preparer not returning calls after filing extension without permission

Tax professional here. This is unfortunately a situation I see quite often, especially during busy season. While your preparer filing an extension without your explicit consent isn't ideal, it's actually better than missing the deadline completely, as an extension prevents the failure-to-file penalty (though you'd still owe interest on any unpaid taxes). However, the lack of communication is a significant red flag. Here's what I recommend you do immediately: First, send a certified letter requesting your documents back within 7 days. This creates a paper trail. Second, you should check your state tax agency's website to track your 2021 refund status - don't just rely on your preparer's word. You might discover it was issued months ago or that there's a problem requiring attention. If he doesn't respond to the certified letter, you can file a complaint with your state's board of accountancy if he's a CPA, or the IRS Office of Professional Responsibility if he's an enrolled agent. You can also contact the police for help retrieving your documents if necessary.

After dealing with a similar situation last year, I found this AI tax document review service called taxr.ai that helped me understand what was really going on with my returns. I uploaded my tax docs from previous years and it flagged several issues my AWOL preparer had missed. https://taxr.ai actually explained what forms were filed and which ones weren't, plus it showed me exactly what my refund status should have been compared to what I was told. Saved me from some serious headaches when I switched preparers mid-year.

I was really skeptical about AI tax tools, but after reading about taxr.ai here, I decided to give it a try since my tax situation was a mess. Uploaded my previous returns and discovered my "professional" preparer had been filing my business expenses incorrectly for TWO YEARS. The tool highlighted exactly which deductions were misclassified and showed me the correct forms I should have been using. Was able to take this information to my new preparer who confirmed everything and filed amendments. Just got confirmation of a $3,200 additional refund I never would have known about otherwise!

If you need to actually reach the IRS to check on your refund status or report your preparer, good luck with that. I spent 4 hours on hold last week. Then I found this service called Claimyr that actually gets you through to a human at the IRS without the wait. https://claimyr.com changed my life when dealing with my tax issues. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c. They called the IRS for me, waited on hold, then called me when an agent was on the line. Finally got my tax situation sorted after months of getting nowhere.

I have to publicly eat my words about Claimyr. After posting my skeptical comment yesterday, I was desperate enough to try it for my ongoing audit nightmare. Not only did it work exactly as described, but I was connected to an IRS agent in 37 minutes while I watched TV instead of listening to that awful hold music. The agent helped me confirm that my former tax preparer had NEVER responded to audit requests (despite telling me he had), which explained the penalties I've been hit with. Now I'm working directly with the IRS to resolve everything. If you're getting ghosted by your preparer like the OP, this is honestly the fastest way to find out what's really happening with your returns.

You might want to check if your preparer has actually filed anything at all. My "tax guy" took my money last year, claimed he filed everything, but when I couldn't get hold of him and finally called the IRS directly, I discovered he hadn't submitted anything! I ended up with penalties that HE should have paid. Make sure to get a PTIN (Preparer Tax Identification Number) from any tax preparer you use - legitimate preparers are required to have one.

Does anyone know if there's a time limit to file a complaint against a tax preparer? Mine did something similar last year and I just found out he made a huge mistake that's costing me over $2,000 in penalties.

This is exactly why I always recommend getting copies of everything before you hand over your documents to any tax preparer. In your situation, I'd suggest taking immediate action on multiple fronts: First, create an online account at IRS.gov to check your account transcript - this will show you exactly what's been filed under your SSN, including whether that extension was actually submitted. You can also see the status of your 2021 refund there. Second, send that certified letter Max mentioned, but also consider showing up at his office in person if it's local. Sometimes the threat of appearing in person gets preparers to respond when calls and emails don't. Third, start gathering recommendations for a new preparer NOW, even if your current one suddenly resurfaces. The October 15th deadline is approaching fast, and you don't want to be scrambling at the last minute. Look for someone who's an EA or CPA and has good reviews. Finally, document everything - dates of calls, texts sent, voicemails left. This paper trail will be crucial if you need to file complaints or pursue getting your $375 back. You shouldn't have to chase down someone you're paying to provide a service.

I went through something very similar two years ago and it was incredibly stressful. My preparer also filed an extension without telling me and then disappeared when I needed answers. Here's what I learned that might help you: The most important thing is to protect yourself from missing the October 15th deadline. Even if your preparer suddenly reappears, I'd strongly recommend getting a second opinion from another tax professional at this point. You can bring whatever documents you have copies of, and they can help determine what's missing and what needs to be done. One thing that helped me was filing a complaint with my state's consumer protection agency in addition to the tax-related complaints others mentioned. Since you paid $375 for services not properly rendered, this falls under consumer fraud. They often have more resources to help recover fees than the IRS complaint process. Also, if your preparer is part of a larger firm or franchise, contact their corporate office. They take these situations seriously because it affects their reputation and licensing. The silver lining is that you found out about this issue with enough time to take action. I know it feels overwhelming right now, but once you get your documents back and work with a reliable preparer, you'll get through this. Just make sure to keep detailed records of everything for potential reimbursement of penalties or additional preparation fees you might incur.