Don't get 'ghosted' by a tax preparer

WXIN/WTTV -- As we get closer to the tax filing deadline, the Better Business Bureau wants to warn you about so-called "ghost" tax preparers.




Since 2006, the IRS has required anyone who gets paid to file or help file taxes to be certified with a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). A "ghost" tax preparer is someone who isn't certified with one of those numbers but still advertises tax preparing services. According to the BBB, they often promise big, fast refunds and they might charge less than the going rate. 




However, when it comes time to file your return, they won't sign it because they legally can't.  They'll ask you to sign it to make it look like it was self-filed.




The trouble comes if something goes wrong with your return and the preparer is nowhere to be found. You've been "ghosted." Since you signed the return, you are responsible for any mistakes, omissions, underpayments or penalties. Such problems are common because the big refund they promised wasn't accurate in the first place.




The BBB says if a tax preparer asks you to sign your return, don't do it. If they're legitimate, they'll sign it and include their PTIN. The BBB also says you should only allow funds to be deposited into your personal account. Some ghost preparers will have funds go into their own accounts to be "distributed later," which is another red flag.




Of course, you should always be wary of someone promising bigger and faster refunds than you've gotten in the past. Remember, a tax preparer can't speed up the process--that all depends on the IRS.  




You can read more about ghost tax preparers and other tax filing tips on the BBB's website.



via: https://fox59.com/news/dont-get-ghosted-by-a-tax-preparer/