Nevada Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar is warning residents about fraudulent tax preparers as the Wednesday deadline to file 2026 federal taxes approaches. Aguilar noted that fraudsters posing as legitimate tax preparers often target vulnerable communities, including Latino and elderly populations, during this busy tax season.
To avoid becoming victims, Aguilar recommends that Nevadans verify that the tax preparation businesses have their Nevada state business license and current Document Preparation certificate clearly displayed. If these documents are not visible, residents should seek services elsewhere.
Additionally, tax preparers should provide clear information about their fees and give a receipt, along with a required written disclosure and contract.
Aguilar specifically warned about “ghost preparers” who prepare taxes but don’t sign the form, which violates Nevada law and IRS regulations. He advised that if a preparer refuses to sign the tax form, residents should not pay for their services.
Finally, he cautioned Nevadans to be skeptical of anyone who promises unusually large refunds, charges fees based on a percentage of the refund, or pressures clients to sign quickly, noting that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
The Old Blog in the Desert 
Leave a comment