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IRS: Don’t be victim to "ghost" tax return preparers

A ghost preparer does not sign a tax return they prepare.

 

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WASHINGTON — With the start of the 2020 tax filing season near, the Internal Revenue Service is reminding taxpayers to avoid unethical "ghost" tax return preparers.

According to the IRS, a ghost preparer does not sign a tax return they prepare. Unscrupulous ghost preparers will print the return and tell the taxpayer to sign and mail it to the IRS. For e-filed returns, the ghost will prepare but refuse to digitally sign as the paid preparer.

By law, anyone who is paid to prepare or assists in preparing federal tax returns must have a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number, or PTIN. Paid preparers must sign and include their PTIN on the return. Not signing a return is a red flag that the paid preparer may be looking to make a fast buck by promising a big refund or charging fees based on the size of the refund.

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Source: IRS

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