Make Sure Your Tax Preparer Is Legit. Verify in Seconds.

The California Tax Education Council helps protect taxpayers and provides the tools you need to report fraud, verify preparers, and prevent further damage.

Verify Or Report a Tax Preparer

Signs You May Be a Victim of Tax Fraud

Verify Or Report a Tax Preparer

What To Do Immediately

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Why This Happens (And Why It Matters)

Thousands of tax preparers operate without proper credentials, increasing your risk of fraud, penalties, and financial loss. When an unqualified preparer files your taxes:

You may be liable for errors or false claims

Your refund could be delayed or stolen

You may have limited legal protection

How CTEC Helps You

We’re here to protect taxpayers like you. CTEC exists specifically to ensure tax preparers meet education, registration, and ethical standards.

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Verify Or Report a Tax Preparer

Don’t Wait. Take Control of Your Situation Today.

Verify Or Report a Tax Preparer

© 2026 CTEC. All Rights Reserved.

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Woman looking at tax form

You may have been targeted if your tax preparer:

Refused to sign your return

Promised “guaranteed” large refunds

Charged fees based on your refund amount

Asked you to sign a blank or incomplete return

Directed your refund to their bank account

Lacked proper credentials or refused to show them

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If you suspect fraud, take these steps right away:

Verify Your Tax Preparer

Only qualified professionals can legally prepare returns for a fee, including:

CPAs

Attorneys

IRS-Enrolled Agents

CTEC-Registered Preparers

Report The Fraud

Filing a complaint helps protect you and others. You will not get in trouble for filing a complaint.

Submit a complaint directly through CTEC

Reports are confidential

Cases may be referred for investigation

Protect Your Identity and Finances

Review your tax return carefully for inaccuracies

Contact the IRS if identity theft is suspected

Keep copies of all documents and communications

Verify Or Report a Tax Preparer Verify Or Report a Tax Preparer

Verify Preparers: Instantly check credentials

File Complaints: Report fraud safely and confidentially

Learn Warning Signs: Avoid scams in the future

Get Support: Speak with a real person for guidance

Protect your financial future

Verify credentials instantly

Report a fraudulent tax preparer