SACRAMENTO, Ca., Feb. 12, 2013 – With tax season in full swing, Better Business Bureau reminds consumers to carefully evaluate businesses before enlisting the services of a tax professional.
Each year, BBB receives complaints from consumers alleging a range of issues associated with filing taxes. Some complain of false information being reported to the IRS after enlisting the service of a tax professional, while others complain of tax papers never being filed.
“When it comes to taxes, always remember that you are responsible for your own taxes,” said Gary Almond, president of BBB serving northeast California. “Never sign anything without reading it and research before hiring anyone to assist.”
BBB recommends anyone seeking assistance in filing taxes consider the following tips:
Ask for referrals. Ask friends, family and colleagues for recommendations on services to use. After, check the businesses out on
necal.bbb.org. View their complaint history, licensing information and other details through their BBB Business Review.
Beware of big refund promises. Watch for preparers promising big refunds before they even look at your information. Be wary of those who base their fee on a percentage of your refund.
Keep all documents. Retain anything related to your tax return in case you are audited at a later date. Get copies of any signed documents.
Read before signing. The burden of proof falls on the consumers when an audit occurs. Make sure all information reported is truthful and accurate before signing any documents.
Start With Trust. For consumer tips, business information and more, visit
necal.bbb.org or call 916-443-6843.
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Reporters: For more information or to schedule an interview with a BBB spokesperson, contact Cailin Peterson at 916-307-4199.
As a business-supported nonprofit organization, Better Business Bureau's mission is to promote an ethical marketplace. BBB sets standards for ethical business behavior, helps consumer identify reliable businesses through BBB Business Reviews, sets standards for truthful advertising, evaluates and provides reviews of charities, educates consumers, and offers dispute resolution services. More than 87 million consumers rely on BBB for Business Reviews, consumer tips and scam alerts. To learn more, please visit www.necal.bbb.org.
