FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Tis the season for taxes. You might want to get some of those bills paid off or, better yet, shopping, shopping, and more shopping. Here at the legal office, we can think of some other folk that might be seeing dollar signs this time of year. You guessed it, scam artists! There are many methods they use to steal your hard earned cash but here are some helpful tips on what to look for, how to protect yourself, and how to report against these dishonest folks.

Choose your tax preparer wisely. The preparers have direct access to all of your personal identifying information and could use this against you. Most preparers are honest and they show that by giving you a copy of what was filed but some don't. The preparer can change bank account numbers and your refund could end up in their bank account and paying for their trip to Disney World. Or worse, they may steal your identity. Your tax return contains all the personal information an identity thief needs to commit fraud and other crimes. Keep in mind that you are ultimately responsible for your tax return and if you fall into one of these scams, you could be penalized $5000.00 from the IRS for filing false claims. To help guard against this, choose a preparer that you either know and trust, or if you decide to hire an accountant, ask them to show you documentation proving that they are a certified public accountant. Finally, never ever accept a preparer's "offer" to have your refund deposited into their account and then transfer it to you.

Another popular method used by scam artists is to pose as an IRS agent. You may get a phone call from an "IRS agent" saying you owe them money and if you don't pay you will go to prison. These scammers may give you a fake name or IRS badge number and then have another person call you claiming to be from the police department validating the fake IRS information, Sadly, these things happen and these are just a few examples. So, how can you protect yourself and your tax return?

Here are some questions to ask yourself while choosing a preparer: Did they show you a copy of their C.P.A certification? Did they ask for proof of income and eligibility for credits and deductions? Did they sign the return as the preparer and enter their IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN)? Did they provide a copy of your return? Ask questions and make sure the place you're getting your return done is reputable. Further, if you do in fact owe a tax debt to the IRS, their first step typically is to mail you a notification, along with the amount owed. If you feel that an IRS phone call is a scam, don't give out information freely. Rather, ask them to provide you with the name and location for the IRS office that they are claiming to be from so that you can call to verify any alleged debt yourself. Always check from the source itself.

You can find more information on IRS.gov on reporting tax fraud. You can call 1-800-829-1040 to check on payment issues. You can also call 800-TAX FORM (800-829-3676) to request a Form 14157, Complaint: Tax Return Preparer, to report a fraudulent tax preparer. May the sun shine on your face and may your refund be abundant!