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Official form guide
Form 14157: Return Preparer Complaint
IRS Form 14157 is used to file a complaint against a tax return preparer or preparation business. Taxpayers—or anyone filing on their behalf—complete the form and may fax it to 855‑889‑7957.
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IRS Form 14157 - Return Preparer Complaint
IRS Form 14157 is used to file a complaint against a tax return preparer or preparation business. Taxpayers—or anyone filing on their behalf—complete the form and may fax it to 855‑889‑7957.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not include original tax returns or payments with Form 14157.
- 2Leaving the preparer’s EFIN, PTIN, or EIN blank when the numbers are known.
- 3Failing to check the appropriate misconduct boxes in Section B.
- 4Omitting the tax period(s) impacted on line 10a.
- 5Not attaching required supporting documents such as Form 8879 or advertisements.
Plain English
This form lets you report a tax preparer who acted improperly, such as stealing a refund or filing without a signature. You fill out the complaint details, sign, and send it to the IRS.
Submission Date
- Filing date: 2018-11-27 22:00:37
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this form when filing a complaint against a tax return preparer or tax preparation business.
- Do not use it when you suspect identity theft.
- Check Form 14039 instead when you suspect identity theft.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Identity theft suspected
Form 14039 is the Identity Theft Affidavit required for identity theft complaints
✓ Verify the issue is identity theft before proceeding
Preparer filed or altered return without consent and you need a change to your account
Form 14157-A is the Tax Return Preparer Fraud or Misconduct Affidavit needed alongside Form 14157
✓ Confirm you have both forms and required documents before proceeding
Reporting alleged tax law violations by an individual or business
Form 3949-A is used to report tax law violations, not preparer misconduct
✓ Ensure the complaint concerns tax law violations before proceeding
Deadline or filing window
Not stated in the official source.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Section A – Return Preparer Information
Preparer’s credentials, name, address · Provided by the preparer on their documents
Fee question (Did you pay a fee?)
Fee amount and payment method documentation · Receipts or payment records from the preparer
Section C – Taxpayer’s Information
Taxpayer’s name, mailing address, phone, email · Taxpayer’s personal records
Section D – Your Information (optional)
Filer’s name · Information supplied by the person completing the form
Attachments (copies of preparer documents)
Copies of tax returns, advertisements, business cards, Form 8879, Form 8888, etc. · Documents received from the preparer
Before you submit
- 1Verify professional status boxes in Section A are checked as applicable.
- 2Enter the preparer’s name and address completely.
- 3Record any fee paid and how it was paid in Section A.
- 4Attach copies of all preparer documents listed (e.g., Form 8879, business cards).
- 5Complete Section C with taxpayer’s name, mailing address, phone, and email.
- 6Sign and date the form in the taxpayer’s signature line.
- 7Include the date of complaint in the appropriate field.
- 8Choose fax or mail and use the provided fax number or mailing address.
- 9Ensure no original tax returns are included.
- 10Review the entire form for completeness before sending.
How to file this form
- 1Gather preparer information and fee documentation — keep copies.
- 2Complete Section A with professional status, preparer name, address, and fee details — verify entries.
- 3Fill Section C (or C and D) with taxpayer’s contact info and sign the form — ensure signature is present.
- 4Attach copies of all supporting documents, excluding originals — label attachments.
- 5Send the form by fax to 855-889-7957 or mail to the listed address — retain a copy of the sent form.
Known limitations
- 1Form 14157 cannot be used when the filer suspects identity theft; the appropriate form is Form 14039.
- 2When a preparer filed or altered a return without the taxpayer’s consent and a change to the tax account is sought, Form 14157 must be submitted together with Form 14157-A.
- 3Complaints that do not involve a tax return preparer or preparation business should be directed to a different IRS form, as other forms may be more appropriate.
- 4The form does not accept original tax returns or payment documents; only copies may be attached.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
General Info
2 items
Full legal name and taxpayer identification number (SSN or EIN).
Current mailing address.
Details
2 items
Complete all applicable sections of this form according to the official IRS instructions.
Enter the relevant dollar amount if this form involves tax calculation.
Certification
1 items
Read and acknowledge any certifications required by this form.
Signatures
1 items
Sign and date. Unsigned forms cannot be processed.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->Form 14157 (Rev. 6-2018) shows a revision date of June 2018; the source does not indicate a newer version.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the form shows Rev. 6-2018 (June 2018).
- Fee — confirm if you paid a fee to the preparer and record the amount as requested.
- Mailing address — confirm the mailing address is Attn: Return Preparer Office, 401, W. Peachtree Street NW, Mail Stop 421-D, Atlanta, GA 30308.
- Signature — confirm taxpayer’s signature and date are entered in Section C (or Section D if applicable).
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Retain a complete copy of the signed Form 14157 and all attachments for your records.
- 2Keep the retained copy for at least three years in case the IRS requests further information.
- 3Expect a confirmation of receipt from the IRS within a few weeks; if none arrives, follow up by calling the Return Preparer Office.
- 4If an error is discovered after mailing, submit a corrected Form 14157 with a brief note explaining the correction.
- 5Store the copies in a secure location to protect personal information per the privacy notice.
Sources
- SRCForm p.3 — Purpose of Form Use Form 14157 to file a complaint against a tax return preparer or tax preparation business.
- SRCForm p.3 — Fax submission number is 855-889-7957.
- SRCForm p.3 — Do not use Form 14157 if you suspect identity theft; use Form 14039.
- SRCForm p.3 — If a tax return preparer filed or altered a return without consent and you are seeking a change, complete Form 14157-A in addition to Form 14157.
- SRCForm p.1 — Do not send original returns or payments with this form.
- SRCForm p.1 — There may be other more appropriate forms specific to your complaint.
- SRCForm p.2 — Section D is optional and not required if you are the taxpayer.
- SRCForm p.2 — Attach additional sheets if necessary for line 11b.
- SRCForm p.2 — Privacy notice states that personal information is confidential and should be protected.
- SRCNot stated in the official source — verify on the agency site
Common confusion points
Can I use Form 14157 if I think I’m a victim of identity theft?
Because the form’s purpose is limited to preparer complaints, identity‑theft cases require a different form.
→ Verify that you are directed to Form 14039 instead of Form 14157.
Do I need to fill Section D if I am the taxpayer?
Section D is optional and only for non‑taxpayers, so taxpayers can skip it.
→ Leave Section D blank when you answer “Yes” to being the taxpayer.
What fee information must I provide on the form?
The form added new questions about any fee paid to the preparer, including amount and payment method.
→ Check the “Did you pay a fee?” section and enter the amount and method if applicable.
Do I have to send my original tax return with the complaint?
The instructions explicitly say not to send original returns or payments.
→ Attach only copies of any documents the preparer gave you.
How should I submit the form: fax or mail?
Both options are provided; the fax number is listed on the form.
→ Choose either fax to 855‑889‑7957 or mail to the address on the form.
What if I need to add more details than fit in the space provided?
The form allows additional sheets for facts and information.
→ Attach extra pages and label them as continuation of line 11b.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Before
Current
After
Often used with
⚠ If something goes wrong
- Form 14157‑A – submit if the original Form 14157 was incomplete or needs correction regarding preparer fraud.
Questions about IRS Form 14157
What is IRS Form 14157 used for?
This form lets you report a tax preparer who acted improperly, such as stealing a refund or filing without a signature. You fill out the complaint details, sign, and send it to the IRS.
Who must file IRS Form 14157?
The taxpayer, or any person filing a complaint about a tax return preparer, must file IRS Form 14157.
What information does IRS Form 14157 require?
It collects the preparer’s identification numbers, the tax period involved, the type of misconduct, and the complainant’s contact information, plus a signature.
Where do I file IRS Form 14157?
Fax the completed form to 855‑889‑7957 or mail it to Attn: Return Preparer Office, 401 W. Peachtree Street NW, Mail Stop 421‑D, Atlanta, GA 30308.
How do I complete IRS Form 14157?
Enter the preparer’s EFIN, PTIN, or EIN if known, then select the applicable misconduct boxes in Section B. Provide the tax period(s) and any fee details. Complete Section C if you are the taxpayer, or Sections C and D if you are not, and sign and date the form. Attach supporting documents and send by fax or mail.
What happens if IRS Form 14157 is filed incorrectly?
If required fields are missing or the form is incomplete, the IRS will not process the complaint.
Can I use Form 14157 if I think I’m a victim of identity theft?
Because the form’s purpose is limited to preparer complaints, identity‑theft cases require a different form. Verify that you are directed to Form 14039 instead of Form 14157.
Do I need to fill Section D if I am the taxpayer?
Section D is optional and only for non‑taxpayers, so taxpayers can skip it. Leave Section D blank when you answer “Yes” to being the taxpayer.
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