- Unscrupulous Tax Preparer looking to make a fast buck from honest people
- Fraudulent Preparer will put fake business on returns at a loss to yield a high tax refund
- Fraudulent Preparer will put deductions (most common unreimbursed employee expenses) on return to reduce tax liability or yield tax refund
- Fraudulent Preparer will NOT sign the return and in some cases will not provide taxpayer with a copy
- Fraudulent Preparer will NOT return your call if you receive an IRS, State or Local letter
- Check to see if Preparer is listed on IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials https://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf
- CPAs, Attorneys and Enrolled Agents can represent any client before the IRS in any situation. Other preparers cannot!
- Check with the BBB – there are many preparers who have been barred and charged but who continues to prepare returns
- Make sure the preparer signs the return and includes their PTIN number and EFIN number (for efile).
