Some consumer tips to help avoid excessive fees or potential fraud when using paid tax preparers, according to the Justice Department, Internal Revenue Service and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau:
• Make sure any tax refund due is sent to you or deposited into your bank account, not deposited into a preparer's bank account.
• Do not use a preparer willing to electronically file your return using your last pay stub rather than a W-2.
• Do not use a preparer who fabricates business expenses or claims bogus tax credits you may not be entitled to.
• Ask about service fees upfront. Avoid preparers who base fees on a percentage of your refund or say they can get a larger refund for you than others can.
• Never sign a blank return.
• Report abusive tax preparers to the IRS, using forms 14157 and 14157-A.
• Get help with taxes for free, if possible.
If your income is $53,000 or less, if you have a disability or are a limited English speaker, you are eligible for free tax preparation services at a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance location:
<a href="http://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep">http://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep</a> or call 800-906-9887.
Persons 60 or older can get free assistance through Tax Counseling for the Elderly:
<a href="http://www.aarp.org/applications/VMISLocator/searchTaxAideLocations.action">www.aarp.org/applications/VMISLocator/searchTaxAideLocations.action</a> or call 888-227-7669.
-- The Associated Press