Episode 18: How to Avoid Bad Apple Tax Preparers

In honor of October 15th, the final day to file tax returns on extension, I am presenting an episode on how to avoid unscrupulous tax preparers. As the saying goes, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! 

In fact, unscrupulous tax preparers are one of the top 12 tax schemes identified by the IRS (called the dirty dozen). So if you want to avoid being taken advantage of you should listen in.

I discuss the four main areas to watch out for:

• Inflated or fictitious itemized deduction
• False credits, such as child tax credit or earned income tax credit
• Fictitious business losses or false business income (to qualify for the earned income tax credit)
• Other schenanigans, such as false or ineligible dependents 

Ultimately, it is your responsibility to prepare an accurate return and if you get your taxes prepared by a bad apple preparer you may be facing significant taxes, interest and penalties! Don't let that happen to you.

If you or someone you know has a tax problem, call our office at 207-502-7181 or email us at jwade@jdwadelaw.com. We will be glad to help you. Otherwise, please enjoy our content and let us know if there are topics you'd like us to discuss.