Tax Code Prohibits Releasing Client Names

Bill Sing (“Pick the Right Person to Do Your Tax Return,” Feb. 17) suggests that, in interviewing a prospective preparer, a taxpayer obtain names of current clients who can be called for references. In most service situations (from doctors to painters, from lawyers to mechanics) this is an extremely good practice.

However, the Internal Revenue Code specifically prohibits disclosure of any information about clients--including their names--so a reputable tax preparer would not be able to honor such a request from a prospective client.

Otherwise, Sing’s suggestions are exactly what we advise also.

DAVID LIEBERMAN

Burbank

The writer is president of Triple Check Income Tax Service Inc.