Schedule C Supporting Documents Statement Dear Taxpayer, To comply with IRS EITC due diligence requirements, as a paid preparer I am required to make adequate inquiries to be satisfied that the taxpayer is carrying on a business and that the income and expenses reported on the tax return are substantially correct and complete. In the event of a loss of client records or due to poor recordkeeping, a paid preparer I may need to help you as a client reconstruct the records. The reconstruction will demonstrate that the paid preparer exercised due diligence and it will also teach the client about recordkeeping. The goal of record reconstruction is to use available documentation to develop a sound and reasonable estimate of the taxpayer's business income and expenses to support the Schedule C prepared. Although the taxpayer may not have formal books and records with supporting documentation, they may have partial records that can be used as a basis for reconstruction. Knowledgeable tax preparers can guide their client on how to use these partial records to develop support for the Schedule C. This reconstruction can also provide support for the return in the case of an audit. Numerous court cases exist that support the use of reasonable estimates and reconstruction of income and expenses to determine a taxpayer's correct tax liability. However, if the tax preparer is notsatisfied with the accuracy of the reconstructed records, you have the right to refuse to prepare the return. By signing the acknowledgment, you affirm that I have communicated my professional responsibility to prepare returns that are accurate. The taxpayer is ultimately responsible for the figures computed through record reconstruction, and you are informed as the taxpayer of possible repercussions of filing a false EITC claim whether with or without my assistance. However, as a tax preparer I must exercise duediligence and apply reasonableness as I may be subject to penalties and additional consequences.