Ghost preparers
A “ghost preparer” is paid to prepare a return and then refuses to sign it, leaving it to look self-prepared. The IRS warns about this specifically, and it is the clearest single signal you will get. It matters because an unsigned return leaves no trail back to them: if the return is wrong, the consequences land entirely on you, and you have little practical recourse against someone who never put their name on it.
Anyone paid to prepare a federal return must have a PTIN and must sign. There is no legitimate version of refusing.
The rest of the list
Fee based on your refund
A percentage of the refund gives them a direct financial interest in inflating it — with your name on the return.
Your refund goes to their account
It should be deposited into an account in your name. Treat any other arrangement as disqualifying.
A refund promised before seeing your documents
Nobody can know your refund before seeing your income and circumstances.
Asked to sign a blank or incomplete return
Never do this, regardless of the reason offered.
Deductions you cannot explain
If you cannot say what a deduction is for, you cannot defend it later — and you will be the one asked.
Cash only, no receipt, no written agreement
Legitimate businesses document what they charge and what they deliver.
Pop-up storefront, unreachable in May
Errors surface months after filing. Ask how to reach them outside filing season.
No copy of your filed return
You are entitled to it. Refusal to provide one is a serious problem.
If it has already gone wrong
Suspected preparer misconduct can be reported to the IRS on Form 14157, and a return altered without your consent on Form 14157-A. Unregistered California preparers can be reported to CTEC, and the Franchise Tax Board also accepts reports. If you think your identity or refund has been stolen, act quickly — the IRS has a dedicated identity-theft process.