Don’t Get 'Ghosted' By Your Tax Preparer This Tax Season!

Your tax preparer sees your income, your family and your Social Security numbers. Choose one who is credentialed, signs your return with their PTIN, and still answers your calls after April 15.

By the James Family Tax team

Trusting someone to file your taxes is a big deal!

You trust them with your personal and financial information, and each year you give them a snapshot into your life. They know about your marriage, your income, your children, and your social security numbers.

Choosing the wrong tax preparer could hurt you financially and cause unnecessary stress.

One type of tax preparer to beware of is a “ghost” preparer. According to the IRS, this preparer tries to be invisible to the fact that they have prepared your return. They will print the return and have you, the taxpayer, sign it and mail it in. If the preparer is e-filing it, then they will prepare the return but refuse to digitally sign that they are the paid preparer.

By law, if you pay someone to prepare or assist you with a tax return, that individual must sign & include their PTIN on the tax return.

If the tax preparer doesn’t sign your paperwork, it is a RED FLAG! And that individual may be trying to take advantage of you by promising a big refund or charging you fees based on the size of your refund.

4 ‘Red Flags’ to look for when choosing a tax preparer are:

Require a cash payment and do not provide a receipt.
Invent income to qualify their clients for tax credits.
Claim fake deductions to boost the size of the refund.
Direct refunds to their bank account, not the taxpayer’s account.

If someone is preparing your taxes, by law, they must have a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number or PTIN.

Before you sign your Tax Return:

Review it carefully.
Ask questions about your tax return if anything is unclear.
Verify both your routing and bank account number on the completed tax return. (If you are getting a direct deposit refund)

Overall, most tax preparers are doing what is best for their clients and working hard to ensure that their clients are being treated fair.

But if you feel that something is wrong with your tax preparer or your tax return, it’s okay to ask questions.

At James Family Tax, We’re Here For You!

The James Family Tax Team is here to help you with your taxes & tax planning!

We know that taxes can be stressful & we understand that life is busy! It’s our goal to make sure that tax filing is a success for you. As one of the best-rated tax services in San Antonio, we love what we get to do and enjoy building lifelong relationships with our clients.

Are you looking for a tax preparer?

James Family Tax is a full-service tax preparation office. We service San Antonio, Schertz, Cibolo, and surrounding areas.

We’re proud to be the best-rated tax service in San Antonio and would love to help you!

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Do you need to file your taxes?

You can make your appointment today at

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How James Family Tax Can Help

Want a professional to handle your return? Our Tax Family is here year-round at our San Antonio and Schertz offices.

Book an appointment at our San Antonio or Schertz office, or call (210) 864-1788.