Are tax professional allowed to withhold your W2 and sensitive documents in MN?

[rajib2k5]

I am curious how minnesota guides on this issue. I would like to find out if the tax professional are allowed to withhold sensitive documents such as W2, 1099, and others when you're negotiating the payment for their service. We are trying to negotiate because of the excessive charge. Is that permitted?

 

[justalayman]

no they cannot. they can withhold the tax return they prepared or they can sue you for whatever they believe you owe but they cannot retain the documents you asked about.

you should also be aware that even if you do not use the tax filing they prepared for you, you may still be liable for paying for it. You hired them to perform a service, they apparently did such so you owe them. Apparently the amount is the only issue.

If you don;t believe you are being charged appropriately, pay but note that it is under protest and argue the point later or sue them and let a court decide.

 

[tranquility]

What kind of tax professional are you talking about? The proscriptions on such behavior are mostly ethical and depend on the ruling body.