1 min read

How to Spot Tax Scams and Avoid Fraud

Origami boat made from a dollar bill caught on a fishhook
Published On
21 March 2024
Jump to section

Understanding taxes is complicated. Hiring a tax professional can help, and it’s something millions of people do. But what if the tax professional you hire is actually a scammer?

On the latest episode of Taxpayer Beware podcast, hosts Ray Davis and Fernando Angell, chat with Antonio Vazquez, of the California State Board of Equalization, to help illuminate how to hire legitimate tax pros, how to spot scammers, and what to do if you get scammed. Antonio shares insights on what ghost tax preparers are and how they operate, common red flags, what questions to ask your prospective tax professional, and much more.

Available in English and Spanish.

Share this article

Related Posts

Uncategorized

IRS Rules for Tax Preparers: What They Must Do (And What to Watch For)

When you hire a tax preparer, you’re trusting someone with your personal and financial information. The IRS has clear rules

Hands typing on a laptop keyboard, one holding a pen, at a bright desk in an office.
Uncategorized

How to Report a Bad Tax Preparer: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve had a negative experience with a tax preparer—whether it involves errors, fraud, or suspicious behavior—you’re not alone. The

Form 1040 with a blue ballpoint pen resting on it, close-up of the pen tip and bold "1040" text on the tax paper.
Uncategorized

Common Tax Scams and How to Avoid Them

Tax season is prime time for scammers. As deadlines approach, bad actors takeadvantage of stressed and rushed taxpayers. Below are