Problem: Bill and Ann are unrelated taxpayers. Both had their taxes prepared last year by the same tax preparer. Bill paid $300 for his tax return preparation while Ann paid $500 for hers. Bill is an employee (receives a Form W-2) while Ann is self-employed (files Form Schedule C). Two years later, as a result of an agreement with state officials, the tax preparer sends Bill a $25 payment and Ann a $75 payment for excessive charges when preparing each of their tax returns.
Where does each taxpayer deduct the tax preparation fees? Is the payment they each receive from the tax preparer taxable to them? Why or why not? Is there any additional information you need for either taxpayer before you can answer this question?