You can verify a paid tax preparer by checking two things: a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) printed on your return, and a listing in the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers. If a preparer refuses to sign your return, won’t share a PTIN, or asks you to sign a blank form, stop and treat it as a warning sign of tax preparer fraud.
Warning Signs to Watch First
These red flags matter most because they show up before money changes hands. The IRS calls a preparer who avoids putting their name on your return a “ghost preparer.” Ghost preparers often print the return and tell you to sign and mail it yourself, or they e-file it without ever entering their own PTIN.
- No signature or PTIN on the return. By law, anyone paid to prepare a federal tax return must sign it and include a valid PTIN.
- Fees based on a percentage of your refund. The IRS advises taxpayers to avoid preparers who charge this way or who promise bigger refunds than competitors before seeing your documents.
- A request to sign a blank return. A blank signed return lets a preparer enter any numbers they want, including their own bank account for your refund deposit.
- Your refund routes to the preparer’s bank account instead of directly to you.
- No interest in your records. A legitimate preparer asks for W-2s, 1099s and receipts and asks questions about your income, deductions and credits.
Verify a Preparer Before You Hand Over Documents
Do this before you share Social Security numbers, income documents or bank details.
- Ask for the preparer’s PTIN and confirm it appears on any draft return.
- Search the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications to confirm listed credentials such as CPA, enrolled agent or attorney status.
- For a CPA, check with your state’s Board of Accountancy. For an attorney, check with the state bar association. For an enrolled agent, verify status through the IRS.
- Confirm the preparer is an authorized IRS e-file provider if they plan to file electronically.
- Ask directly how fees are calculated and get it in writing before work begins.
Quick Verification Checklist
- PTIN shown and signed on the return — required by law for all paid preparers
- Listed in the IRS preparer directory — confirms credentials the preparer claims to hold
- Fee is flat or hourly, not refund-based — refund-based fees create an incentive to inflate your refund
- Refund deposits to your account only — protects you if the preparer misuses funds
- Preparer reviews the return with you before filing — you’re legally responsible for what’s on the return, even if someone else prepared it
If You Already Filed With a Preparer You’re Worried About
Get a copy of the return you signed and compare it line by line to what was actually filed. You can request a free transcript of your filed return from the IRS to check for differences. If the preparer changed numbers, added credits you didn’t ask about, or redirected part of your refund without your knowledge, treat it as suspected fraud and move to reporting below.
How to Report a Dishonest Tax Preparer
You can report suspected tax preparer fraud to more than one agency, and you don’t need a lawyer to start.
- Report to the FTC: File a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, the FTC’s current online complaint system. Have the preparer’s name, business name, address and details of what happened ready before you start.
- Report identity theft: If your identity or refund was misused, go to IdentityTheft.gov for a step-by-step recovery plan.
- Report the preparer to the IRS: The IRS’s Choosing a Tax Professional page outlines how to raise concerns about a paid preparer directly with the agency.
What to Have Ready Before You Report
- The preparer’s name, business name and any PTIN they gave you
- Copies of the return you signed and any return actually filed, if different
- Records of payment: amount, date and payment method
- Any emails, texts or contracts from the preparer
Extra Caution for Certain Situations
Take extra care if you’re filing for the first time, filing a deceased relative’s return, or working with a preparer found only through a social media ad or a walk-in “pop-up” office that disappears after tax season. These situations come up often in ghost preparer cases because there’s less of a paper trail if something goes wrong.
Evidence Limits
This article summarizes general guidance from the IRS and FTC. It does not cover every state’s rules for tax preparer licensing, and it is not legal or tax advice for your specific situation. If you’re dealing with a suspected fraud loss or a dispute over your return, a licensed tax attorney, CPA or enrolled agent can advise you on next steps for your circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal for a tax preparer not to sign my return?
Yes. Anyone paid to prepare a federal tax return is required by law to sign it and include their PTIN.
What is a “ghost preparer”?
A ghost preparer is someone who prepares your return for a fee but doesn’t sign it or include a PTIN, often leaving you to file it as if you prepared it yourself.
Can I still be held responsible if my preparer made a mistake or committed fraud?
Yes. Taxpayers are legally responsible for the accuracy of their return regardless of who prepared it, which is why reviewing it before signing matters.
Where do I check if a tax preparer’s credentials are real?
Use the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications, and confirm state-level credentials like CPA or attorney status with the relevant state board.
Educational disclaimer: This article is for general education only and is not tax, legal or financial advice. Verify current requirements directly with the IRS and FTC, and consult a qualified tax or legal professional about your specific situation.
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