Safeguard Your Taxes From Scammers

Navigating tax season can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to managing your finances and ensuring you're making the most of your tax returns. Choosing the right financial advisor can make a significant difference in your financial health, but it's crucial to ensure that the advisor you select is both competent and trustworthy.

The Office of the Comptroller of Maryland offers some essential steps to help you find a financial advisor who meets your needs and tips on how to verify their credentials and legitimacy. These insights may help you to make an informed decision and gain peace of mind during tax season.

Research your preparer.

• All paid preparers are required to register with the IRS and get a PTIN, which should be included on your tax return.
• Click here to check the list of licensed Maryland tax preparers.
• Click here to go to the IRS to search the "Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications."
• Click here to see a list by county of blocked preparers the Comptroller’s office will not accept

The Comptroller’s Office has 12 locations around the state staffed to prepare Maryland state income tax filing for FREE to anyone no matter what the income of the individual.

Never agree to pay a percentage of your refund as the fee for service and certainly not in advance.

• Scammers sometimes falsely suggest a large refund is coming to determine the fee and you may not be getting a refund at all!

Never sign your file before it is completed.

• Scammers suggest they are backlogged and ask people to sign and leave for pickup the next day when they assure it will be ready without keeping the taxpayer waiting. They return it to you with a stamp and everything. Beware that they can then change information to direct refunds to their bank account or address so additionally ...

Never accept a sealed envelope.

• Look over ALL of your information before you mail/send it.
• Is it your bank account number? Address? Social security number?

File Early

• Scammers can’t determine ways to break through weaknesses in security early in the tax season. If any exist, it takes a while for scammers to figure out. The earlier you file, the safer you will be!

Use Direct File

• Direct File is the new FREE and secure online filing program with the IRS and the State of Maryland. Filing electronically prevents others from having access to your information

For additional information visit the Office of the Comptroller of Maryland.

To learn additional tips on how to spot tax scams visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network.

To locate free tax assistance, visit AARP Foundation Tax Aide.