01/04/2026
Even if you hire someone else to do your taxes this year please read this. It's great advice.
Please hire a reputable, authorized tax preparer.
Not “someone who’s been doing taxes for years” — that alone doesn’t make them legitimate. Real preparers are authorized, use professional (and expensive) tax software, and complete annual continuing education to stay compliant with IRS rules.
Before you hand over your personal information, do your homework:
• Ask a friend or family member who they trust
• Check Google for real reviews
• Verify they’re (PTIN, CTEC, EA, CPA, etc.)
• Make sure they follow proper data‑security standards — your tax preparer should treat your information with the same seriousness as medical HIPAA‑level privacy
And this part is important:
🚩 Never send your Social Security number, W‑2s, IDs, or any sensitive documents through email, DM, or text.
These are not secure and can easily lead to data leaks or identity theft. A legitimate preparer will use a secure portal or encrypted upload system — not your inbox.
Also, be cautious of:
🚩 Anyone offering “FREE estimates.”
Licensed professionals with paid software don’t work for free. These “free estimates” are often just a way to collect your personal information.
🚩 Anyone promising huge refunds before seeing your documents.
That’s not expertise — that’s fraud.
Protect yourself.
Be smart.
Stop giving your personal info to strangers on the internet just because they say they “do taxes.”
A real tax professional will protect your data, explain your return, and stand behind their work — no gimmicks, no shortcuts.
