KENNEWICK, Wash.- With only 5 days left to file it is important to know what “red flags” to look for while filing taxes.
According to the Better Business Bureau, there are several red flags to look for when choosing a tax preparer.
Look for big promises. If a company is promising the largest and fastest tax return in town that is a red flag. The IRS is the only entity with the power to decide the amount and speed of your tax return.
Next, ask about their Preparer Tax Identification Number or PTIN. Every preparer should have one. If they either do not have one or refuse to give it to you that is a red flag.
The PTIN should be public information. You can use the PTIN to verify the preparer’s credentials on the IRS website before filing.
You should also make sure the preparer signs any documents before you and adds their PTIN. If they do not sign first you could be the one liable for any filing mistakes the preparer made.
The deadline is April 15. if you cannot find a trustworthy preparer in time or want to file yourself, the BBB recommends using some of the free self-filing tools through the IRS.