Question

Review the following scenario, then choose the appropriate response describing steps a paid tax preparer must take to demonstrate due diligence. Henry (21) comes in to your office to have his tax return prepared. He states that he is a full- time college student with income from a part-time job, and his parents will not claim him as a dependent. He wants to claim the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC). Which of the following describes an appropriate question to ask or action to tako?
a) Ask him if he has ever been convicted of a misdemeanor offense or had his driver's license revoked
b) Inform him that he may be assessed a penalty of $530 if he fails to provide all the information required.
c) Inform him he must provide copies of all transcripts before you can prepare his retum.
d) Request a copy of his Form 1098-T Tuition Statement, and inquire into when and how his educational and other living expenses were paid.

Answer 1

Answer:

The appropriate question to ask or action to take is:

b) Inform him that he may be assessed a penalty of $530 if he fails to provide all the information required.

Explanation:

The penalty for not meeting the due diligence requirements is $530 for tax returns filed in 2020.  The practitioner must get Henry to fill the Form 8867.  The purpose of this form is to ensure that the practitioner has considered all applicable eligibility criteria for certain tax credits, especially the American opportunity tax credit (AOTC), which Henry is applying for.