Get comprehensive guidance on selecting a reliable tax preparer. 

Learn more about the role of paid tax preparers, including gathering and organizing tax documents, determining tax liability and filing returns. We highlight the risks of choosing the wrong preparer, such as inaccurate returns, fraud and high fees. We discuss alternatives to hiring a paid preparer, like self-preparation and free assistance programs. We also warn against “ghost preparers” and outline red flags to watch for, such as promising inflated refunds and lacking credentials. We conclude with advice on verifying credentials, understanding other tax-related products and what to do if you become a victim of tax preparer fraud.

Presented by the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic, a program of the Justice & Diversity Center of the Bar Association of San Francisco.