Warning Signs of Tax Relief Scams

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You trust your tax preparer with some of your most sensitive personal and financial information. But what happens if scammers target them—and end up with your data? Unfortunately, there’s a real scam going around that does exactly that. Here’s how it works and how you can protect yourself. The Scam in Action Criminals send fake emails to tax preparers, pretending to be from the tax software company the preparer uses. These emails ask the preparer to “verify” their Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN) —a number the IRS uses to identify legitimate tax businesses. The email tells them to send the EFIN information by fax. If the preparer falls for it, scammers can use that EFIN to file fake tax returns in clients’ names—claiming fraudulent refunds. Why This Matters to You If your preparer’s EFIN is stolen, scammers could: File a fake return using your personal information Claim your refund before you do Cause IRS delays and red flags on your account Make it harder and slower for you to get your real refund Signs of Trouble Here are a few warning signs that could mean your personal tax information was compromised: You try to e-file and the IRS says a return has already been filed under your name You get a letter from the IRS about a tax return you didn’t file You receive unexpected tax documents in the mail What You Can Do You can’t stop scammers from targeting tax professionals, but you can take steps to protect yourself: Ask your preparer how they protect client data — A good tax pro will use secure portals and never send sensitive info over unencrypted email. Consider getting an IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) — This is a 6-digit number that prevents anyone from filing a return in your name without it. Act quickly if you suspect fraud — Contact your tax preparer, report it to the IRS, and follow their steps to secure your account. Bottom Line The EFIN scam targets tax preparers, but it’s taxpayers who can suffer the consequences. By choosing a preparer who takes security seriously—and staying alert to signs of fraud—you can greatly reduce your risk. If you think your information may have been compromised or want help setting up extra IRS protections, contact Arch Tax today . We’ll help you secure your account and make sure your tax return is filed safely and accurately.

If you filed for an extension, your new tax deadline is October 15, 2025 . That gives you a little extra time — but not much — to get everything in order. Many taxpayers in your shoes consider hiring a professional to help finish the return. But here’s the catch: Not all tax preparers are created equal.  Some are helpful pros. Others? Not so much. Choose the wrong one, and you could risk your refund — or worse, find yourself in a mess with the IRS. Here are the biggest red flags to watch out for when choosing a tax preparer: 1. They Promise Bigger Refunds Than Everyone Else If someone claims they can get you a “huge refund” before they’ve even looked at your documents, that’s a giant red flag. A legitimate preparer doesn’t make promises until they’ve seen the facts. 2. They Want Your Refund Deposited into Their Bank Account Never agree to this. Your refund should be deposited directly into your bank account — not theirs. This is a shady tactic some preparers use to skim fees or delay payments. 3. They Won’t Sign the Return By law, paid preparers must sign your return and include their Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) . If they refuse? Walk away. 4. They Don’t Ask for Records or Receipts Good tax pros ask a lot of questions and request documentation. If someone is willing to prepare your return based only on a pay stub or vague guesses, that’s a problem. 5. They Base Their Fee on Your Refund Size A preparer who charges a percentage of your refund has a financial incentive to fudge the numbers. Reputable pros charge flat or hourly fees — not a cut of your return. 6. They Can’t Be Reached After Tax Season What happens if the IRS sends you a notice in December? Make sure you’re working with someone who’s available year-round — not just from January to April. What You Should Look For A valid PTIN IRS e-file access Transparency in pricing Willingness to review the return with you Available to answer questions even after October Final Tip: You Are Still Responsible No matter who prepares your return, you are legally responsible for what gets filed. Don’t sign a return you haven’t reviewed — and never sign a blank one. Need Help You Can Trust? At Arch Tax, we pride ourselves on transparency , ethics , and experience . We’ve helped hundreds of clients meet their tax deadlines — without the red flags. Let’s make sure your return gets filed right. Schedule a free consultation today!

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