The short answer
You're responsible for what's on your return, even if someone else made it up. The fix is usually an amended return that corrects the mistakes before the IRS finds them, and a complaint to the IRS about the preparer. We fix the return. Reporting the preparer is your choice, and we'll show you which form fits.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Signs you used a "ghost preparer"
The IRS calls a preparer who does your return but won't sign it or include their preparer number (PTIN) a "ghost preparer." Watch for:
- The return wasn't signed by the preparer, or it says "self-prepared."
- They charged a percentage of your refund, or took their fee out of it.
- They promised a bigger refund than anyone else could get.
- The refund went to their bank account first, or never arrived.
- They asked you to sign a blank or unfinished return.
- They offered to "add a dependent," or said you didn't need your W-2.
- You can't reach them now.
Problems that are common on these returns
- Tips deduction claimed wrong. The new tips deduction (2025 returns and later) only covers reported tips in tipped jobs, up to $25,000. Claiming it for a job without tips, or for tips that were never reported, will not hold up.
- Dependents who don't qualify, or the same child claimed by two households.
- Made-up business income or losses to raise the Earned Income Credit or cut the tax.
- Credits you don't qualify for, like fuel tax or sick leave credits that only certain businesses can claim.
Got an IRS letter about it?
If the IRS thinks a ghost preparer was involved, it may send Letter 4733 or Letter 6623. Don't ignore it. If you got a CP2000 or another notice proposing more tax, the deadline on that letter matters most. Not sure the letter is real? See how to check an IRS letter.
How our cleanup works
Bring what you have
The copy of the return you got from the preparer (if any), IRS letters, W-2s, 1099s and tip records.We pull your IRS transcript
It shows what was actually filed and paid in your name, which may not match the copy you were given.We tell you what's wrong and what it costs
You hear the price before we start. Sometimes the return is fine and you don't need us.We prepare and sign the amended return
Our name and PTIN go on it. If you owe, we'll go over payment plan options.You decide whether to report the preparer
We'll walk you through the right IRS form. The complaint comes from you, not us.How to report the preparer
- Form 14157 is the IRS complaint form for preparer misconduct or fraud. It's filed online and anyone who paid the preparer can use it.
- Form 14157-A is for victims whose preparer changed their return, sent their refund elsewhere or filed without permission, and who want their IRS account corrected. It needs supporting papers: the return as you meant to file it, the copy the preparer gave you and, in some cases, a police report. Don't send it until you have everything.
- The IRS handles federal returns only, and generally can't act on complaints more than 3 years old.
Official source: IRS: Make a complaint about a tax return preparer.
Before you pick your next preparer
- Ask for their PTIN. Every paid preparer must have one and sign your return.
- Get the price before they start, as a flat fee, not a share of your refund.
- Have your refund deposited to your own account.
- Read the return before you sign it, and keep a copy.
Work for tips or drive for a gig app?
Servers, bartenders, gig workers, small business owners, veterans and seniors with income under $75,000 ($140,000 married filing jointly) may get 50% off their tax return with us.
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Disclaimer: This page is general information, not tax or legal advice. Every situation is different, and tax rules change. Reading this page doesn't make you a client. FL Tax Experts does not file complaints on anyone's behalf.