A large number of taxpayers hire a return preparer to prepare and file their tax returns. Most return preparers are legitimate and honest. Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous individuals who take advantage of the taxpayers who hire them. These dishonest tax preparers are known to file fraudulent tax returns on their clients’ behalf for monetary gain. Here are some points which will indicate the type of preparer you’re dealing with.

1. Tips For Choosing a Tax
Return Preparer
A large number of taxpayers hire a return preparer to prepare and file their
tax returns. Most return preparers are legitimate and honest. Unfortunately,
there are unscrupulous individuals who take advantage of the taxpayers
who hire them. These dishonest tax preparers are known to file fraudulent
tax returns on their clients’ behalf for monetary gain. Here are some points
which will indicate the type of preparer you’re dealing with.

2. Personal Tax Identification Number (PTIN)
The IRS has mandated that every paid tax return preparer must have a
Preparer Tax Identification Number or PTIN. A return preparer is required
to include his or her PTIN on every tax return they file. Confirm that your
return preparer has included his or her PTIN on your tax return.

3. Better Business Bureau (BBB) Complaints
Check the BBB website to see if your return preparer has consumer
complaints or any punitive actions were taken against them. For CPAs,
check with the state board of accountancy. For attorneys and enrolled
agents, check with the state BAR association and the IRS
Office of Enrollment, respectively.

4. Compare Fees
Avoid preparers that charge extravagant fees, claim that they can get
you a bigger refund than others, or base their fee on a percentage of
your refund. Do not allow a preparer to have your refund deposited in
their bank account or at their address.

5. Check their Qualifications
Do a little research to check if the preparer is affiliated with a
professional organization and/or attends continuing education classes.
These are signs the preparer is honest and takes professional
improvement seriously.

6. Check Business Lifespan
Look up how long the preparer has been in business. Fraudulent return
preparers disappear quickly after filing season, leaving their clients
stranded when there is a problem. Find out about your preparer by
researching online. Make sure they are available after tax season ends
and get their complete contact information so you can contact
them if any issues do arise in the future.

7. Check Receipts and Tax Records
A return preparer that is trustworthy will ask you for your W-2, receipts of
your deductions and other tax records to determine your exact income,
and qualifying deductions and credits. An incompetent preparer or a
fraudulent one will be willing to compromise on accuracy.

8. Signing The Return
If a preparer asks you to sign a blank return, discontinue with their
service immediately. Be sure to review your return for accuracy before
your preparer files it. Request that it be filed electronically, so there is
less probability of error.

9. Report Abuse
If you come in contact with a fraudulent preparer, even if you caught
them before they were able to defraud you, report the abusive preparer
or suspected abuser to the IRS using Form 14157, Compliant: Tax
Return Preparer. By doing this you will prevent others from
becoming victims in the future.

10. To Learn More
Visit
www.taxassistancegroup.org
Or Call
(855) 549-7829