06/29/2026
🚨 Before you trust someone with your tax return…do your homework. 🚨
The Department of Justice recently announced that eight North Carolina tax return preparers pleaded guilty in a multi-million-dollar COVID tax credit fraud scheme. Their clients now face the possibility of IRS examinations, repayment of refunds, penalties, and interest—even if they didn’t know the returns were false. (Department of Justice)
💡 Remember: You’re responsible for what’s on your tax return, even if someone else prepares it.
Before hiring a tax preparer:
✅ Verify they have a valid PTIN (Preparer Tax Identification Number).
✅ Ask about their credentials and experience.
✅ Make sure they sign your return as the paid preparer.
✅ Never work with someone who promises a bigger refund without reviewing your records.
The IRS makes it easy to verify a preparer’s credentials. Search here:
https://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf
Protect yourself. A legitimate tax professional will focus on preparing an accurate return—not the biggest refund.
Choose experience. Choose integrity. Choose someone who stands behind their work.