How to Claim Tax Preparation Fees

Taxpayers with simple returns can often file their taxes on their own, without turning to outside help. But those with complicated returns can be overwhelmed by the complexity of the tax code and the sheer number of schedules and deductions. If you do need to pay a professional tax preparer, you can deduct the money you spend on your taxes. You must itemize your deductions in order to claim those fees, but the money you save can be well worth the extra hassle.

• 1

  Download a copy of the 1040 form and Schedule A from the IRS website. Schedule A is used to list your itemized deductions.

• 2

  Gather all of your income documents and sort them according to the type of income. Enter each type of income on the appropriate line of the 1040 form.

• 3

  Enter your other itemized deductions on Schedule A. Use your receipts to verify the amount of each deduction, and check your math carefully.

• 4

  Record the amount you spent for tax preparation on line 22 of Schedule A. Check the receipt you received from your tax preparer and make sure the amount is correct.

• 5

  Add up all of your itemized deductions from Schedule A and enter the total on line 40a of the 1040 form. Calculate your taxes and submit the 1040 form and Schedule A to the IRS.