7 | 10 Red Flags Your Tax Preparer Is a Fraud

What if the person you trusted with your taxes is the reason the IRS comes knocking? Most people never suspect their tax preparer until the IRS shows up, and by then, it is their name on the return, not the preparer’s. Ben Golden opens with a client who trusted the wrong person and paid for it. In this solo episode, Ben breaks down 10 clear red flags that separate a risky preparer from a fraudulent one, from cash-only payments and missing receipts to refunds routed to the wrong account, unsigned returns, and refund guarantees no honest professional can make. Whether you file your own taxes or hand them off, this is the consumer protection conversation that could save you years of penalties and stress. Learn the warning signs, ask the right questions, and never outsource responsibility for your financial life. Listen now. ## **Timestamped Highlights** **\[00:00:05]** The hard truth about who actually faces the IRS when a return goes wrong **\[00:01:18]** A panicked client, a totally normal-sounding notice, and the warning signs that stacked up fast **\[00:02:08]** The painful lesson: you own the return even when someone else prepares it **\[00:03:06]** Why a fee based on a percentage of your refund is an IRS warning sign **\[00:04:05]** The move that should stop you in your tracks, your refund routed to their account **\[00:05:08]** No signature, no PTIN, no accountability, and why it is the law **\[00:06:03]** Refund guarantees, the marketing lie no ethical preparer can make **\[00:07:17]** The free checklist to vet a preparer before it is too late **\[00:08:16]** Why most tax problems start with blind trust, not bad intentions ## **Mentioned Resources** **10 Ways to Spot a Fraudulent Tax Preparer Before It’s Too Late** - Ben’s free downloadable PDF guide with a checklist of questions to ask and documents to receive before hiring a preparer: https://rebrand.ly/ffp-preparer ## **Important Links** - Connect with Ben: LinkedIn - Connect with Golden Tax Relief: Website | LinkedIn - Request a consultation: Schedule a FREE Tax Evaluation - Check our socials: Instagram | Facebook | TikTok **The Financially FAT Podcast** is an original production hosted by Ben Golden. Brought to you by Golden Tax Relief. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.