BBB warns consumers of untrustworthy tax preparers
JACKSON, Tenn. — Tax season is approaching and you may notice more people advertising their tax preparer services.
The Justice Department’s tax division has obtained injunctions against hundreds of unethical tax preparers in the past decade, including some in this area.
In 2024, a Jackson man was indicted for preparing 123 fraudulent tax returns, operating an unlicensed money transmitting business, and money laundering.
Remember that you are ultimately responsible for the information on your tax return even if you pay someone else to prepare it. Make sure to check out the preparers qualifications and credentials.
You can do that through the Better Business Bureau.
“And ask as many questions as possible, and then watch out for red flags. If you’re asked to pay cash only and they don’t want to give you a receipt, that would be a big red flag. If the basis for their fee is only a percentage of your refund, that would be a red flag,” said Toddnetta Trice, communications specialist with the BBB.
The BBB can provide you a roster of accredited tax preparers.
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