IRS urges careful selection of tax preparers

The IRS has issued a warning for taxpayers to carefully select their tax preparers as the tax deadline approaches. They emphasize the importance of choosing reliable professionals to protect personal information and avoid potential fraud. Taxpayers are advised to watch for red flags, such as "ghost preparers" who do not sign returns or require cash payments without receipts. Preparers must have a valid tax identification number, but this alone does not guarantee their reliability. The IRS recommends discussing fees upfront, reviewing tax returns carefully, and ensuring the refund is directed to the taxpayer's account. Taxpayers should report any misconduct by preparers to the IRS.