Better Business Bureau expert urges taxpayers to take precautions before filing – KLTV

TYLER, Texas (KTRE) – One of the first steps in keeping yourself out of the grasp of tax scammers is doing your homework on who you’re giving your information to.
Every year, Taxpayers face risks filing their tax return.
If you’re using a Tax Preparer, Tyler Better Business Bureau President Mechele Mills says you want to verify they’re legit.
“There are going to be a lot of people out there who say they can do their taxes for you and they may not be really incredibly qualified to be able to do the job,” said Mills.
Mills says you should make sure your preparer has a Preparer Tax Identification Number on PTIN.
This proves they’ve been verified through the IRS to prepare taxes.
The PTIN can also help you avoid Ghost Preparers, people who do your taxes, don’t sign them, and steal your refund money and your personal information too.
“Also, if somebody makes these claims that they can get you more than anybody else that would be considered a red flag,” said Mills.
The IRS offers two free online filing options.
Free File which partners you with tax software vendors for free, and Direct File, which files your taxes directly through the IRS.
You can file now using Free File, and Mills says the quicker you file the better.
“That prevents other people from filing using your information so the earlier you file the more likely that’s not going to happen to you,” said Mills.
Taxpayers have until April 15th to file.
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