Don’t Be Victim to a ‘Ghost’ Tax Return Preparer

The Internal Revenue Service warns taxpayers to avoid unethical tax return preparers, known as ghost preparers.

By law, anyone who is paid to prepare or assist in preparing federal tax returns must have a valid 2019 Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). Paid preparers must sign the tax return and include their PTIN. But ‘ghost’ preparers do not sign the return. Instead, they print the return and tell the taxpayer to sign and mail it to the IRS.

Unscrupulous ghost tax return preparers look to make a fast buck by promising a big refund or charging fees based on a percentage of the refund. These scammers hurt honest taxpayers who are simply trying to do the right thing and file a legitimate tax return.

Ghost tax return preparers may also: ● Require payment in cash only and not provide a receipt. ● Invent income to erroneously qualify their clients for tax credits or claim fake deductions to boost their refunds. ● Direct refunds into their own bank account rather than the taxpayer’s account.

Taxpayers should always review their tax return carefully before signing and ask questions if something is not clear. And for any direct deposit refund, taxpayers should make sure both the routing and bank account number on the completed tax return are correct.