Tax professionals have either unlimited or limited representation rights. Unlimited rights allow the tax professional to represent you before the IRS on any tax matter, even if they didn't prepare your return. Tax professionals who have unlimited representation rights are Enrolled Agents, Certified Public Accounts and Attorneys.
Limited representation rights allow the tax professional to represent you only if they prepared and signed your return. These limited rights allow them to deal with IRS customer service agents and revenue agents. However, even if they prepared your return they cannot help you with an appeal or a collection matter - they will have to refer you to someone with unlimited representation rights.
Beginning with 2015 returns, only tax return preparers who are Annual Filing Season Program Participants (a voluntary program) have limited representation rights. Tax return preparers without that designation have no representation rights.
If you decide to use a tax professional to prepare your 2015 taxes, keep these differences in mind and choose your preparer wisely.
Nancy Turner Egbert, the owner of Turner's Tax Service, is an Enrolled Agent with unlimited representation rights. She prepares individual, small business and trust returns and would be happy to prepare your 2015 tax return or assist you with matters you may have pending before the IRS or any state tax agency. Appointments can be scheduled by calling Turner's Tax Service at 530-626-8551. Additional information about available services can be found online at www.turnerstaxserviceonline.com.