Verify Your Accountant Filed Your Taxes

Quick answer

• Check your tax transcripts directly from the IRS.
• Look for confirmation emails or mail from your tax preparer.
• Review your bank account for any tax payments or refunds.
• Confirm if you received your tax refund or paid any outstanding balance.
• If you’re still unsure, contact your accountant for proof of filing.

What to check first (before you file or change withholding)

Filing Status

Your filing status (Single, Married Filing Jointly, etc.) is a fundamental piece of information that affects your tax liability. Ensure your accountant used the correct status based on your marital situation and household. An incorrect filing status can lead to overpaying or underpaying taxes.

Income Sources

All income earned during the tax year should be reported. This includes wages, freelance income, investment gains, rental income, and any other sources. Double-check that your accountant accounted for all W-2s, 1099s, and other income statements you provided.

Withholding or Estimated Payments

Your tax withholding from paychecks (or estimated tax payments made throughout the year) is crucial. If you overpaid, you should receive a refund. If you underpaid, you might owe taxes. Verify that the amounts withheld or paid align with your tax liability.

Deductions and Credits

These can significantly reduce your taxable income. Common deductions include student loan interest, IRA contributions, and self-employment expenses. Credits, like the Child Tax Credit or education credits, directly reduce your tax bill. Ensure your accountant explored all eligible deductions and credits for your situation.

Deadlines and Extensions

Tax returns are generally due by April 15th each year. If you or your accountant filed an extension, the deadline is typically October 15th. Knowing whether a return was filed on time or if an extension was requested is important to avoid penalties.

Step-by-step (simple workflow)

1. Gather Your Tax Documents: Collect all W-2s, 1099s, receipts for deductions, and any other relevant financial statements from the tax year in question.

• What “good” looks like: You have all the necessary paperwork organized and ready to be reviewed or provided to your accountant.
• Common mistake: Missing important income documents or receipts for deductible expenses.
• How to avoid it: Create a dedicated folder for tax documents throughout the year and make a checklist of expected forms.

2. Confirm Accountant Engagement: Reach out to your accountant or tax preparation service to confirm they are handling your tax filing for the relevant year.

• What “good” looks like: A clear confirmation from your accountant that they have received your information and are working on your return.
• Common mistake: Assuming the accountant is filing without explicit confirmation.
• How to avoid it: Always get a written or verbal confirmation of services rendered.

3. Review the Draft Return (if applicable): If your accountant provides a draft of your tax return before filing, review it thoroughly.

• What “good” looks like: You’ve reviewed the draft, understood the key figures (income, deductions, credits, tax owed/refund), and asked any clarifying questions.
• Common mistake: Glancing over the draft without understanding the details, potentially missing errors.
• How to avoid it: Schedule time to sit down with the draft and ask your accountant to explain each section.

4. Request Proof of Filing: Ask your accountant for confirmation that they have electronically filed or mailed your tax return.

• What “good” looks like: You receive a confirmation number for e-filing, a copy of the filed return with an IRS acknowledgment, or a shipping receipt for mailed documents.
• Common mistake: Not requesting proof and relying solely on the accountant’s word.
• How to avoid it: Make proof of filing a standard request upon completion of your return.

5. Check IRS Tax Transcripts: Obtain your tax transcript directly from the IRS. This official document shows your tax return information as processed by the IRS.

• What “good” looks like: Your transcript shows a tax return for the year in question, matching the information you expected.
• Common mistake: Mistaking a transcript for the filed return itself; transcripts reflect IRS processing.
• How to avoid it: Understand that a transcript is a record of what the IRS has on file, not necessarily the exact document you signed.

6. Monitor Bank Account for Refunds/Payments: Check your bank account for the expected tax refund or confirmation of tax payments made.

• What “good” looks like: A refund has been deposited, or a payment has been debited from your account corresponding to your tax liability.
• Common mistake: Not noticing a refund or payment due to not actively monitoring your accounts.
• How to avoid it: Set up account alerts for deposits or withdrawals of significant amounts.

7. Review IRS Correspondence: Keep an eye out for any mail from the IRS. This could be a notice about your return, a refund confirmation, or a request for more information.

• What “good” looks like: No unexpected notices from the IRS, or any notices are easily explained by your filed return.
• Common mistake: Ignoring or misplacing IRS mail, which can lead to missed deadlines or penalties.
• How to avoid it: Open all mail from the IRS promptly and consult your accountant if you receive any notices.

8. Contact Your Accountant (if still unsure): If you have followed the above steps and remain uncertain, reach out to your accountant for clarification and documentation.

• What “good” looks like: Your accountant provides clear answers and any requested documentation to confirm the filing.
• Common mistake: Waiting too long to address your concerns, potentially missing crucial deadlines.
• How to avoid it: Address your doubts promptly to allow sufficient time for resolution.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
<strong>Not getting proof of filing</strong>	Uncertainty about whether taxes were actually filed; potential for penalties.	Request an e-file confirmation number or a copy of the filed return with IRS acknowledgment from your accountant.
<strong>Ignoring IRS notices</strong>	Missed deadlines for responses, accruing penalties and interest on unpaid taxes.	Respond to all IRS notices promptly, consulting your accountant for guidance on the required action.
<strong>Not checking tax transcripts</strong>	Relying solely on accountant’s word; unable to verify IRS processing.	Order your free tax transcript from the IRS website to see what the IRS has on record for your return.
<strong>Assuming e-filing was successful</strong>	E-filing can fail; if not confirmed, the return may be considered unfiled.	Always obtain confirmation of successful e-filing from your tax preparer.
<strong>Not monitoring bank accounts</strong>	Missing refunds or failing to notice incorrect payments or debits.	Set up bank alerts for deposits and withdrawals, and regularly review your statements for any unexpected activity.
<strong>Using an unverified preparer</strong>	Risk of fraudulent filing or errors leading to penalties and audits.	Choose a reputable tax professional with proper credentials (CPA, Enrolled Agent) and check reviews or ask for references.
<strong>Not understanding tax forms</strong>	Inability to verify the accuracy of the information presented by your preparer.	Take the time to understand the key figures on your tax return, or ask your accountant for a detailed explanation.
<strong>Filing without all necessary data</strong>	Inaccurate tax return, potentially leading to audits or amended returns later.	Ensure you provide all required income statements and documentation for deductions and credits to your accountant.
<strong>Overlooking refund or payment</strong>	Funds not received or taxes not paid on time, leading to potential interest.	Clearly communicate your bank details for direct deposit and ensure tax payments are made on time through the IRS system.
<strong>Not keeping copies of filed taxes</strong>	Difficulty in referencing past filings for future tax years or audits.	Request and store copies of all filed tax returns, along with supporting documentation, for your records.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If you received an email confirmation from your accountant stating “Your return has been filed,” then you likely have proof of filing because reputable preparers send these notifications.
• If your IRS tax transcript shows a tax return for the year in question, then your taxes were filed with the IRS because the transcript reflects their processing of your return.
• If you received a tax refund via direct deposit or check, then your taxes were filed because refunds are issued only after a return is processed.
• If you made an estimated tax payment to the IRS and it cleared your bank account, then your taxes were likely filed because payments are associated with a filed return.
• If your accountant provided you with a copy of your filed tax return with an IRS confirmation stamp or number, then you have direct proof of filing because this is official documentation.
• If you are expecting a refund and haven’t received it within the typical IRS processing timeframe (usually 21 days for e-filing), then it’s worth investigating whether your return was filed correctly and on time.
• If you received a notice from the IRS that contradicts information on your tax return, then you should contact your accountant immediately to understand if there was a filing error or miscommunication.
• If your accountant is unresponsive or unable to provide proof of filing, then you should consider contacting the IRS directly to inquire about your filing status for that year.
• If you filed an extension and paid estimated taxes, and you have confirmation of both, then your filing obligation for that year is likely met, pending the final submission of your return.
• If you are unsure about your filing status and didn’t explicitly confirm it with your accountant, then review your draft return or ask for clarification to ensure it was filed correctly.

FAQ

How long does it take for the IRS to process a tax return after it’s filed?

Typically, the IRS processes e-filed returns within 21 days. Paper-filed returns can take significantly longer, often several weeks to months. Check the IRS website for current processing times.

What is a tax transcript and why is it important?

A tax transcript is a summary of your tax return information as processed by the IRS. It’s important because it serves as official confirmation that the IRS has received and recorded your return.

Can I check if my accountant filed my taxes online?

Yes, you can check online by ordering your tax transcript from the IRS. This is the most reliable way to confirm IRS processing.

What should I do if my accountant claims they filed, but I can’t find proof?

First, request specific proof of filing from your accountant, such as an e-file confirmation number or a copy of the filed return with IRS acknowledgment. If they cannot provide it, consider contacting the IRS directly.

Will the IRS notify me if my taxes were not filed?

The IRS generally won’t notify you that your taxes were not filed. However, they will eventually send notices if taxes are due and unpaid, or if you are subject to penalties for failure to file.

Is there a fee to get my tax transcripts from the IRS?

No, obtaining your tax transcripts directly from the IRS website is free of charge.

What if I discover my accountant made a mistake after filing?

If you discover an error after filing, you may need to file an amended tax return (Form 1040-X). Consult with your accountant or a tax professional to determine the best course of action.

How can I verify the accuracy of the refund amount shown on my filed return?

Compare the refund amount on your filed return with the calculations provided by your accountant. You can also use IRS tax transcript information or tax software to recalculate.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Specific details on how to order tax transcripts from the IRS.
• Guidance on filing an amended tax return (Form 1040-X).
• Information on tax penalties and interest calculations.
• Advice on choosing a tax professional or verifying credentials.
• Detailed explanations of specific tax deductions and credits.