Filing a tax return can be stressful, and finding a tax preparer to help you file your tax return is often a top priority. But beware — not everyone offering tax help is legitimate. One of the most dangerous threats is the ghost tax preparer.

Ghost tax preparers are individuals who prepare tax returns for a fee but don’t sign then don’t sign the tax return. Instead, they falsely list the taxpayer as having self-prepared the return. Why? Because they don’t want to be held accountable if the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) discovers an issue with your tax return. These shady tax preparers often promise big refunds, claim fake credits, inflate deductions, or even use stolen identities.

A legitimate tax preparer must sign the return and include their Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). Ghost preparers avoid this step because they’re trying to escape responsibility if there’s an assessment, audit or penalties. Often ghost preparers cannot be located or hard to contact after April 15. If the IRS catches errors or fraud, you the taxpayer are on the hook for any assessments, audit, or penalties.   When you sign a tax return, you agree that you have reviewed the tax return and the information listed on the tax return is correct.

To protect yourself:

Always ask to see your completed return before it’s filed.

Make sure your preparer signs it and includes their PTIN.

Avoid anyone who asks you to sign a blank return or wants payment based on a percentage of your refund.

Don’t fall for promises of “guaranteed” refunds or secret tax breaks.

If something feels off, trust your gut. You can verify a preparer’s PTIN credentials on the IRS website. Also, consider working with licensed professionals such as CPAs, enrolled agents, or attorneys.

In short, ghost preparers disappear when problems arise, leaving you to face the consequences. Protect yourself by working with qualified, ethical professionals — and don’t let a ghost preparer haunt your tax return.