IRS Proposed Regulations Require Tax Preparers to File Form 8867 with 2012 EITC Claims
On October 6, 2011, The Internal Revenue Service announced that it is issuing proposed regulations that would require paid tax return preparers, beginning in 2012, to file a due diligence checklist, Form 8867, with any federal return claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). It is the same form that is currently required to be completed and retained in a preparer’s records.
The due diligence requirement, enacted by Congress over a decade ago, was designed to reduce errors on returns claiming the EITC, most of which are prepared by tax professionals.
The EITC benefits low-and moderate-income workers and working families and the tax benefit varies by income, family size and filing status. The EITC is a refundable tax credit – taxpayers can get it even if they owe no tax. For 2011 tax returns, the maximum credit will be $5,751.