Tax department cracks down on tax preparers

ALBANY -- The state tax department is cracking down on dishonest tax preparers and refund-anticipation lenders with a new law.

The measure requires individuals and businesses who meet certain criteria with regard to tax preparation and refund loans to register annually.

Some commercial preparers will also be required to pay an annual $100 fee. Fines for violating these new amendments to the state Tax Law could reach $5,000.

The tax department says nearly 60 percent of New York personal income tax returns are prepared with the assistance of someone who's paid to do it.

Anyone, regardless of education, training, or criminal background, can call themselves a tax preparer and charge for their services.

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