Secretary Of State Warns Nevadans Against Tax Filing Frauds

By Camalot Todd, Nevada Current

March 15, 2023

Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar reminds Nevadans to be on the lookout for unregistered tax preparers this tax season.

“Some of our most vulnerable communities are falling for fraudsters who say they have registered tax preparers and take advantage of those who may not know the signs to look for,” Aguilar said in a press release Wednesday. “We’re urging Nevadans to be on the lookout for warning signs and if something doesn’t seem right – don’t pay, walk away.”

One of the most common frauds reported involves an unregistered tax preparer taking a Nevadan’s tax filing information and having the tax return deposited in their own bank account.

Warning signs for fraud include businesses not having their Nevada business license and Document Preparation certificate on clear display, not being clear about how much the preparer will charge, not providing a receipt or written disclosure, and not signing the tax form.

The Division of Document Preparation at the Secretary of State’s Office registers tax preparers in Nevada. To search to see if a tax preparer is registered, visit here or call the Secretary of State’s Office at 702-486-2614.

The Secretary of State’s Office recommends these free tax preparation services Nevada Free Tax Coalition, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Locator, Las Vegas Library District in partnership with AARP, and Free Tax Assistance and Counseling through the IRS.

Those who think they have been a victim of tax filing fraud can file a complaint here.

Nevada Current, a nonprofit, online source of political news and commentary, documents the policies, institutions and systems that affect Nevadans’ daily lives. The Current is part of States Newsroom, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by grants and a coalition of donors and readers.