Cedar Rapids, IA asked in Tax Law for Iowa

Q: My husband forged my name on state & federal tax forms last year. These were prepared by h&r block. do I have any recour

This prepare has been our tax lady for almost 7 years. She signed off on these documents with my forge signature.

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: If your husband forged your signature on state and federal tax forms, and these were submitted by your tax preparer, you do indeed have recourse options to consider. First, it's crucial to address the situation with the tax preparation service, specifically with the individual who has been handling your taxes. Inform them of the unauthorized signature and request an immediate correction. Documentation proving your non-consent may be required.

You also have the option to report this incident to both the state and federal tax authorities. For the IRS, you can file Form 14157, Complaint: Tax Return Preparer, to report the misconduct of the tax preparer. Additionally, contacting a legal advisor to understand your rights and the implications of the forgery on your tax obligations and legal standing is important. This professional can guide you through the steps of rectifying the situation with the tax authorities and exploring legal actions against your husband and possibly the tax preparer for professional negligence or misconduct.

Lastly, ensure your financial and personal documents are secure moving forward to prevent any future unauthorized use. Monitoring your credit report and accounts for unusual activity can also help safeguard against identity theft or fraud stemming from the misuse of your personal information. Taking these actions can help mitigate the consequences of the forgery and protect your financial integrity.

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