In short, an EA is billing for tax work never agreed to, never received, and never submitted. The was no contract signed and no exchange regarding rates or fees. The EA only had consent to submit an extension (price quoted in an email was for $100). The first invoice, however, was for 881.25 (and growing monthly because of late fee). He is charging for 2 hours of tax prep time despite me never sending him the current year tax document (SS and K1 information for years 2015 and 2016). For the extension, I provided my mother's 1099's and RMD information.

I've read the Treasury Department protects the client in fee disputes. But, I don't know what this means. Is there a code of ethics an EA is supposed to abide by that I can reference that says something about services rendered? I think I've seen a site that says an EA doesn't have to release documents if fees aren't paid. But, is the reverse true? If I have no returns and they weren't submitted, can they legally require payment with no contract?

Do tax preparers fear being reported? Does my filing Form 14157 carry any weight?

Please help!
Thank you!

I've read the Treasury Department protects the client in fee disputes. But, I don't know what this means. Is there a code of ethics an EA is supposed to abide by that I can reference that says something about services rendered? =========>>Basically, An IRS enrolled agent , like a tax attorney/ a CPA,is a person who has earned the privilege of representing taxpayers before the IRS by either passing a 3-part comprehensive IRS test;therfore, an IRS EA status is the highest credential the IRS awards. IRS EA must adhere to ethical standards. Most paid tax return preparers are professional, honest and trustworthy. However, the IRS is committed to investigating those who act improperlyYou can report a tax return preparer for misconduct, such as Filing a return without your consent.You may complete Form 14157-A, Tax Return Preparer Fraud or Misconduct Affidavit, and Form 14157, Complaint: Tax Return Preparer and mail them with all supporting documentation to the address where you would normally mail your Form 1040. Please contact the IRS for more info in detail.



I think I've seen a site that says an EA doesn't have to release documents if fees aren't paid. But, is the reverse true?========>>In general yes. In general, an IRS EA /a CPA must, at the request of a client, promptly return any and all records of the client that are
necessary for the client to comply with his or her Federal tax obligations. The tax pros may retain copies of the records returned to a client. The existence of a dispute over fees generally
does not relieve the practitioner of his or her responsibility under this section. So, There are a few variables to this, some of which depend on the type of accountant you are dealing with. Is this a CPA, an IRS Enrolled Agent, a State licensed preparer, an unlicensed preparer, an actuary, etc. Different large classes have different ethics obligations. For example, as said, either an IRS EA or a CPA. Under the national professional standards of conduct, must return any client provided documents to the client, even if they do not pay. So, they required to return to the client any documents the client gave them. They can keep any documents schedules returns that they prepared from the clients documents.



If I have no returns and they weren't submitted, can they legally require payment with no contract?==>>as mentioned above;with no contract, I do not think so; oin gennral, Did the service contractually agree that the taxes would be ready on tax day?? If the answer to this question above is no. then they may not require payment with no contract.

Do tax preparers fear being reported? Does my filing Form 14157 carry any weight?==>.It depends;