Beware of Ghost Tax Preparers Warns IRS

“Ghost” Tax preparers are more scary than Halloween!

“Ghost” tax preparers prey on unsuspecting taxpayers by failing to sign the printed or digital tax returns.

According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) a ghost preparer will prepare and print the tax return, then have the taxpayer sign and return it to the IRS by mail. Ghost preparers e-file tax returns without their digital signature or Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). You know you’ve seen a Ghost tax preparer if they:

• Required cash payment without providing a receipt;

• Invented income to qualify clients for tax credits;

• Claimed fake deductions to boost the amount of the refund; or

• Directed refunds into their bank account instead of the taxpayer's account.

If your tax preparer refuses to sign your printed return, sign your digital return with their PTIN, or all or part of your refund is missing, please report the misconduct to the IRS with Form 14157, 

If your tax preparer is someone you know who filed or changed your tax return without consent, use Form 14157-A, Tax Return Preparer Fraud or Misconduct Affidavit.

Preparing your tax returns should be a transparent transaction, not a scary situation. Check to see if the name of your tax preparer has the proper IRS credentials and qualifications.

Check upcoming dates for tax filing deadlines here.