The quick summary of the qualification requirements for Registered Tax Return Preparers are:

1. Register with the IRS by obtaining a Preparer Tax Identification Number or PTIN.
2. Pass the Registered Tax Preparer Competency Exam.
3. Submit your fingerprints to the IRS and pass a background check.

Here are a few points to keep in mind when someone else prepares your return:

• Check the person’s qualifications. Ask if the preparer is affiliated with a professional organization that provides its members with continuing education and resources and holds them to a code of ethics. New regulations effective in 2011 require all paid tax return preparers including attorneys, CPAs and enrolled agents to have a Preparer Tax Identification Number.
• Check the preparer’s history. Check to see if the preparer has a questionable history with the Better Business Bureau and check for any disciplinary actions and licensure status through the state boards of accountancy for certified public accountants; the state bar associations for attorneys; and the IRS Office of Professional Responsibility for enrolled agents.
• Find out about their service fees. Avoid preparers who base their fee on a percentage of your refund or those who claim they can obtain larger refunds than other preparers.
• Make sure the tax preparer is accessible. Make sure you will be able to contact the tax preparer after the return has been filed, even after the April due date, in case questions arise.
• Provide all records and receipts needed to prepare your return. Most reputable preparers will request to see your records and receipts and will ask you multiple questions to determine your total income and your qualifications for expenses, deductions and other items.
• Never sign a blank return. Avoid tax preparers that ask you to sign a blank tax form.
• Review the entire return before signing it. Before you sign your tax return, review it and ask questions. Make sure you understand everything and are comfortable with the accuracy of the return before you sign it.
• Make sure the preparer signs the form and includes their PTIN. A paid preparer must sign the return and include their PTIN as required by law. Although the preparer signs the return, you are responsible for the accuracy of every item on your return. The preparer must also give you a copy of the return.

To qualify for Earned Income Tax Credit or EITC, you must have earned income from employment, self-employment or another source and meet all of the following rules:

1. Have a valid Social Security Number
2. Have earned income from employment, self-employment or another source
3. Cannot use the married, filing separate filing status
4. Must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien all year or a nonresident alien married to a U.S. citizen or resident alien and choose to file a joint return and be treated as a resident alien
5. Cannot be the qualifying child of another person*
6. Cannot file Form 2555 or 2555-EZ (related to foreign earned income)
7. Your Adjusted Gross Income and earned income must meet the limits shown on the Income Limits, Maximum Credit Amounts and Tax Law Updates Page
8. Your investment income must meet or be less than the amount listed on the Income Limits, Maximum Credit Amounts and Tax Law Updates Page

If you are married and file a joint return with your spouse, your spouse must also meet the EITC rules for everyone.

These rules sound complicated, and they are, so bring your W-2s and Social Security cards to us so we can determine your Earned Income Tax Credit qualification.

If we did not prepare your tax returns last year, then please bring your last year’s Federal and State tax returns.

Income, Wages, and Investment Records (if applicable to you)

• Social Security cards for you and your dependents
• Form W-2s for each job you held in 2011
• Form 1099s you received
• Alimony records – received or paid
• Social security income yearly statement
• Commission statements you may have received
• Rental property income and expenses
• Brokerage account year-end statements
• Partnership, S Corp, trusts, or estate yearly statements
• Pension or retirement income statements
• Unemployment income yearly statement
• ESPP statements
• Stock options sale papers
• State income tax refund statement
• Lottery winnings (If you won you can deduct losses)

Records of Deductible Expense Items

• IRA contributions
• Charitable Giving and Donation receipts
• State taxes paid
• Child care expenses and care giver information
• Medical expenses
• Car, motor home, and boat registration or receipts
• Unreimbursed employment-related expenses
• Job-related educational expenses
• Casualty or theft losses
• Foreign taxes paid

Homeowners – If you own, sold or are buying your home, please bring the following:

• Property tax information
• Mortgage interest year-end statement
• Home equity year-end statement
• If you sold your home, purchase and home improvement information

Business Records

• All Accounting Records
• Income and expense reports
• Balance Sheet
• Travel Expenses
• Mileage logs for autos
• Receipts for business assets purchased

Students – Full time or part time

• Tuition and education fees
• Student loan information
• Grants and scholarship information

If you have any questions, please give us a call at: (313) 292-4640

Directions from Romulus, MI:

1. Head east on Goddard Rd toward Shook Rd – 0.7 mi
2. Take the 2nd left onto Wayne Rd – 0.2 mi
3. Slight right to merge onto I-94 E toward Detroit – 4.8 mi
4. Take exit 200 to merge onto Ecorse Rd (Destination will be on the right) 2.7 mi
5. Park and enter the back of the building, directly across the street from Taco Bell.

E & K Tax Service
21725 Ecorse Rd
Taylor, MI 48180

Directions from Inkster, MI:

1. Head south on Inkster Rd toward Michigan Ave – 1.8 mi
2. Turn left onto Van Born Rd – 1.0 mi
3. Turn right onto S Beech Daly Rd – 1.0 mi
4. Take the 3rd left onto Ecorse Rd (Destination will be on the right) – 2.1 mi
5. Park and enter the back of the building, directly across the street from Taco Bell.

E & K Tax Service
21725 Ecorse Rd
Taylor, MI 48180

1. Head west on Michigan Ave toward Neckel Ave – 2.2 mi
2. Take the Southfield Fwy exit toward M-39 S – 0.2 mi
3. Merge onto Southfield Rd - 0.3 mi
4. Take the ramp on the left onto M-39 S/Southfield Fwy Continue to follow M-39 S – 3.6 mi
5. Turn right onto Luana Ave – 0.4 mi
6. Take the 3rd right onto Ecorse Rd (Destination will be on the left) – 1.5 mi
7. Park and enter the back of the building, directly across the street from Taco Bell.

E & K Tax Service
21725 Ecorse Rd
Taylor, MI 48180

Find E & K Tax Service from Lincoln Park, MI:

1. Head east on Southfield Rd toward Forrest St – 167 ft
2. Make a U-turn at Forrest St – 1.6 mi
3. Turn left onto Allen Rd – 0.5 mi
4. Continue onto Ecorse Rd (Destination will be on the left)- 1.7 mi
5. Park and enter the back of the building, directly across the street from Taco Bell.

E & K Tax Service
21725 Ecorse Rd
Taylor, MI 48180

Directions from Melvindale, MI:

1. Head west on Oakwood Blvd toward Wall St – 1.3 mi
2. Turn left to merge onto I-94 W toward Chicago – 1.5 mi
3. Take exit 204 for M-39 S/Southfield Hwy/Pelham Rd – 0.5 mi
4. Follow signs for Pelham Rd – 0.5 mi
5. Turn left onto Pelham Rd – 0.7 mi
6. Turn right onto Ecorse Rd (Destination will be on the left) – 0.9 mi
7. Park and enter the back of the building, directly across the street from Taco Bell.

E & K Tax Service
21725 Ecorse Rd
Taylor, MI 48180

Directions from Allen Park Michigan:

1. Head southwest on Allen Rd toward Garfield Ave – 0.2 mi
2. Continue onto Ecorse Rd (Destination will be on the left) – 1.7 mi
3. Park and enter the back of the building, directly across the street from Taco Bell.

E & K Tax Service
21725 Ecorse Rd
Taylor, MI 48180