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Sunday May 19, 2024Washington NewsSocial Media Scams and Ghost Tax Preparers
On the final weekend before taxes are due, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) published two letters that caution taxpayers about the risks of tax advice found on social media and tax returns created by ghost preparers.
Millions of taxpayers regularly view various social media sites. However, the IRS explains that there are many inaccurate or misleading tax sources on social media. This misinformation can lead taxpayers into serious scams and trouble with the IRS. IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel stated, "Social media is an easy way for scammers and others to try encouraging people to pursue some really bad ideas, and that includes ways to magically increase your tax refund. There are many ways to get good tax information, including [following] @irsnews on social media and from trusted tax professionals. But people should be careful with who they are following on social media for tax advice." The IRS and Security Summit partners work together with state tax agencies to protect taxpayers. They highlight a number of fraudulent strategies that are recommended on the Internet.
Qualified tax preparers are required to sign a return and include a valid preparer tax identification number (PTIN). Ghost preparers generally do not sign returns and follow other bad practices including shady fee practices, such as a cash-only payment with no receipt. The ghost preparer often will invent false income to try to increase tax credits or claim false deductions. Finally, it is a red flag if the preparer recommends sending the refund to another bank account rather than the taxpayer's bank account. If you are aware of a ghost preparer, you can use IRS Form 14242, Report Suspected Abusive Tax Promotions or Preparers to alert the IRS. Published April 12, 2024
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