Taxpayer Beware

We’re starting to get emails and calls from taxpayers who have listened to our podcast, and they’re sharing situations they faced. On this episode of Taxpayer Beware, presented by The California Tax Education Council, host Ray Davis will be speaking with Tom O’Saben, Enrolled Agent, CTEC board member and Governmental Relations expert with the National Association of Tax Professionals, and Rebecca Landeros with the Franchise Tax Boa...

In the wake of California’s devastating wildfires, many taxpayers and businesses are relying on disaster tax relief to recover financially. Unfortunately, scammers see this as an opportunity to prey on victims. In this episode of Taxpayer Beware, presented by the California Tax Education Council, host Ray Davis speaks with Rebecca Landeros of the Franchise Tax Board Enforcement Team about the warning signs of fraudulent tax prepare...

Understanding taxes is complicated. Hiring a tax professional can help, and it’s something millions of people do. But what if the tax professional you hire is actually a scammer? On this episode of Taxpayer Beware, presented by The California Tax Education Council, host Ray Davis will be speaking with Antonio Vazquez of the California State Board of Equalization, to help illuminate how to hire legitimate tax pros, how to spot scamm...

Tax professionals doing business in California must meet certain state requirements – but the details on these requirements can be confusing, especially when it comes to who is exempt, and who isn’t. On this episode of Taxpayer Beware, presented by The California Tax Education Council, host Ray Davis will be speaking with Rebecca Landeros from the California Franchise Tax Board Enforcement Team to clear up confusion you might have ...

In California, only attorneys, CPAs, CTEC-registered tax preparers, and enrolled agents are considered legally qualified tax professionals - but how do you know which one of these options is right for you? On this episode of Taxpayer Beware, presented by The California Tax Education Council, host Ray Davis will be speaking with three representatives to understand the differences and how to decide which one is the right fit. Jen Bog...

When it comes to filing taxes, we could all use a little help. But how do you know who's legally qualified to assist, and what happens if they make a mistake? Or worse – what if you become a victim of fraud?  Welcome to Taxpayer Beware, presented by The California Tax Education Council, a show focused on providing the right knowledge and information to help you find the best help, and avoid the latest scams. On each episode, host R...

Let's face it. Tax law is complex. So complex it's the reason why California requires tax preparers to be educated on tax laws. But is hiring a tax professional the right choice for you? 

Brandon Chanley, chats with Kelly Phillips Erb, tax attorney and senior editor at Forbes, Susie Dimaggio, enrolled agent, and Fernando Angell, CTEC registrant and host of the CTEC Spanish Taxpayer Beware podcast.

Learn when you should hire a tax pro...

They're a problem we keep seeing year after year, we call them ghost tax preparers. Every tax season, they'll hang a shingle over a tax preparation service, offering it for a low fee, or sometimes just word of mouth to get business. Once April 15th comes and goes, they disappear like a ghost - leaving their victims to deal with their mess.

Unfortunately, sometimes victims don't even know there's an issue until they get a notice from...

From fake phone calls and emails to targeting your social media posts - scammers are getting more creative. Stealing not only your identity, but your tax refund. 

CTEC Chair, Brandon Chanley, chats with Elias Dominguez from the Franchise Tax Board Public Affairs Division. Hear what the state is doing to stop fraud and the state's advice to taxpayers.

You can also find more tips on CTEC.org with links on how to find and verify a legal...

From fake phone calls and emails to targeting your social media posts - scammers are getting more creative. Stealing not only your identity, but your tax refund. In fact, most victims have no idea it happened to them until they try to file their tax return. 

CTEC Chair, Brandon Chanley, chats with Elias Dominguez from the Franchise Tax Board Public Affairs Division. Hear what state is doing to stop fraud, including true stories, and...

So you hired a tax preparer. They’re the pro. You paid them a fee  - but what happens if there’s a mistake? Or worse yet, fraud.

Brandon Chanley, Chair of the California Tax Education Council (CTEC), chats with Richard Ernst, a former prosecutor for New York State's Attorney General.

Richard provides tales from the past about issues he's seen with tax preparers and how you can avoid fraud.

In California, only an attorney, CPA, CTEC re...

What is California doing about illegal tax preparers and tax scams? Quite a bit, actually. 

California is one of the few states to have set requirements for paid tax preparers. By law, anyone who prepares your tax return must be either an attorney, CPA, enrolled agent or a registered tax preparer with the California Tax Education Council (CTEC). 

CTEC partners with the Franchise Tax Board to go after tax preparers who are not one of ...

It is a problem that happens every tax season. Ghost tax preparers. Who are they? They charge a fee to do your taxes, but never sign your tax return. 

So what can happen if a tax preparer doesn't sign? Well, how about owing thirteen thousand in fraudulent taxes? 

Or paying back your refund. With interest.

Unfortunately, it happens. And by the way, not signing is also against the law.

In fact, we have stories to share and how you can av...

It is a problem that happens every tax season. Ghost tax preparers. Who are they? They charge a fee to do your taxes, but never sign your tax return. 

So what can happen if a tax preparer doesn't sign? Well, how about owing thirteen thousand in fraudulent taxes? Or paying back your refund. With interest.

Unfortunately, it happens. And by the way, not signing is also against the law. 

Brandon Chanley, Chair of the California Tax Educat...