What can I do if the tax preparer did not give me any copies?

Did your preparer e-file your return? If so, you needed to sign an authorization, IRS Form 8879, in which you certify that you have examined the tax return and schedules and that all information is true, accurate, and complete. Did you sign the 8879? Did you review the return that was going to be filed by e-filing? If your return was e-filed by your preparer, and you did NOT sign IRS Form 8879, go to your local IRS office and explain the situation. If you did sign Form 8879, use IRS Form 4506 to request a copy. It will cost you some money to get a copy of the actual return. If you just want the information by line item, use Form 4506-T to get a free *transcript* of your return (not the actual return, itself). If your return was mailed by your preparer, the preparer should have required you to sign a paper saying that you did not want to e-file your return. Did you sign such a statement for the tax preparer? If not, and your return was mailed by the preparer, go to your local IRS office and explain the situation. If the original was provided to you to mail yourself, and you did not receive an extra copy nor made a copy yourself, use IRS Form 4506 to request a copy. It will cost you some money to get a copy of the actual return. If you just want the information by line item, use Form 4506-T to get a free *transcript* of your return (not the actual return, itself). I hope this helps.

If the tax preparer has filed your return with the I.R.S. or Alabama Department of Revenue, and those returns have been processed, then you can contact the I.R.S. or Department to receive a return transcript. This transcript will not be an exact photocopy of your filed return(s), but it will have all of the information entered on your filed return. If your return has not been filed, then I would suggest stopping by the tax preparer's office to receive a copy of your return. If they refuse to give it to you, then you should ask them why. If attempting to contact them via phone, e-mail, and in person doesn't work, then you or an attorney should send a demand letter. If any of the above does not work, then you should contact an attorney about what potential courses of action should be pursued in order to get your documentation back.