The IRS investigation into Jackson Hewitt’s malpractices has deepened, NYT reports:

The lawsuits filed against the Sohail-owned or controlled franchises said that employees had been pushed to crank out returns in exchange for bribes, to accept scant or false documents, like W-2 forms, and to falsify taxpayer data to receive the earned-income tax credit, a federal assistance program.

And that’s why we like accountants. Not only will a good one help you find deductions, they also know enough to not do stupid stuff. It’s you, not the tax form preparer, on the hook if you file a fraudulent return. — BEN POPKEN

Inquiry Into Jackson Hewitt’s Tax Return Practices Widens [NYT]
(Photo: Meghann Marco)

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