Taxpayer Beware

The Internal Revenue Service recently issued a consumer alert about a series of tax scams and bad social media advice that led thousands of taxpayers to file refund claims they didn’t qualify for. On this episode of Taxpayer Beware, presented by The California Tax Education Council, host Ray Davis will be speaking with Christella Sanchez, Senior Stakeholder Liaison with the IRS to identify ways scammers are pretending to be the IRS, and how to spot a scam. Plus, they discuss the false tax credit hoaxes spreading on social media, why you shouldn’t ignore letters from the IRS, what to do if you think you’ve been scammed, and how you can find a legitimate tax preparer to help you. So press play and enjoy this new episode of Taxpayer Beware from The California Tax Education Council.Follow UsTwitter @CATaxEdCouncilFacebook @CATaxEdCouncil /@CTECEnEspanolInstagram @CATaxEdCouncilYouTube @CATAXEDTikTok @cataxedcouncilPresented by The California Tax Education Councilwww.CTEC.org Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Board Tax Preparer Enforcement Team, to share the real-life story of a tax fraud victim. Ray, Tom, and Rebecca break down all aspects of the victim’s story, detailing the mistakes made along the way, and how you can avoid the same pitfalls. So press play and enjoy this new episode of Taxpayer Beware from The California Tax Education Council.Follow UsTwitter @CATaxEdCouncilFacebook @CATaxEdCouncil /@CTECEnEspanolInstagram @CATaxEdCouncilYouTube @CATAXEDTikTok @cataxedcouncilPresented by The California Tax Education Councilwww.CTEC.org Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 preparers.From recognizing red flags like unregistered tax preparers to understanding why you should never sign a blank tax return, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you avoid being scammed. Rebecca also explains how to verify credentials, report suspected fraud, and protect yourself during this vulnerable time.Tune in and learn how to safely navigate disaster tax relief and ensure your tax professional is the real deal.Follow UsTwitter @CATaxEdCouncilFacebook @CATaxEdCouncil /@CTECEnEspanolInstagram @CATaxEdCouncilYouTube @CATAXEDTikTok @cataxedcouncilPresented by The California Tax Education Councilwww.CTEC.org Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 scammers, and what to do if you get scammed. Antonio shares insights on what ghost tax preparers are and how they operate, common red flags, what questions to ask your prospective tax professional, and much more. So press play and enjoy this new episode of Taxpayer Beware from The California Tax Education Council.Follow UsTwitter @CATaxEdCouncilFacebook @CATaxEdCouncil /@CTECEnEspanolInstagram @CATaxEdCouncilYouTube @CATAXEDTikTok @cataxedcouncilPresented by The California Tax Education Councilwww.CTEC.org Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 around these state requirements. Rebecca shares insights on situations like out of state businesses doing California returns, volunteer services, and she talks through some specific scenarios that should help enlighten the issue. So hit play and enjoy this new episode of Taxpayer Beware from The California Tax Education Council.Follow UsTwitter @CATaxEdCouncilFacebook @CATaxEdCouncil /@CTECEnEspanolInstagram @CATaxEdCouncilYouTube @CATAXEDTikTok @cataxedcouncilPresented by The California Tax Education Councilwww.CTEC.org Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Bogart from The California Society of CPAs, Fernando Angell, a CTEC director, and Tom O’Saben from the National Association of Tax Professionals share insights on the different types of tax pros, how to decide which one is right for your financial situation, and how to spot a scam that looks like a good deal. Hit play and enjoy this new episode of Taxpayer Beware from The California Tax Education Council.Follow UsTwitter @CATaxEdCouncilFacebook @CATaxEdCouncil /@CTECEnEspanolInstagram @CATaxEdCouncilYouTube @CATAXEDTikTok @cataxedcouncilPresented by The California Tax Education Councilwww.CTEC.org Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Ray Davis sits down with a variety of expert guests to share their firsthand insights and experiences, to equip you with the tools and information you need as you prepare for tax season and beyond.  So join us for every episode of Taxpayer Beware, presented by The California Tax Education Council.Follow UsTwitter @CATaxEdCouncilFacebook @CATaxEdCouncilInstagram @CATaxEdCouncilYouTube @CATAXEDPresented by The California Tax Education Councilwww.CTEC.org Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 and when it's okay to go it alone. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 the IRS or the Franchise Tax Board or year or more later. Brandon Chanley chats with Christella Sanchez of the IRS and Rebecca Landeros with the Franchise Tax Board enforcement team. Learn what to know if this happens to you and where you can go to for help. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It can happen to the most honest of us. It could be fraud. It could be a financial issue. But it happened. You're facing a tax issue. Is there anywhere you can go to for help?CTEC Chair, Brandon Chanley, chats with the Brenda Voet - Taxpayer Advocate for the Franchise Tax Board. Hear stories of how she's helped taxpayers with taxing situations and who you can trust for help. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

There’s a lot of misunderstanding about tax refunds - especially regarding what tax pros can and cannot do. For instance, is it okay for them to take a percentage of your refund as payment? And then there’s the controversial issue of refund loans.CTEC Chair, Brandon Chanley, chats with tax pro, Marissa Beaman, to set the record straight.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 tax preparer. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It can happen to the most honest of us. It could be fraud. It could be a financial issue. But it happened. You're facing a tax issue. Is there anywhere you can go to for help?CTEC Chair, Brandon Chanley, chats with Steve Sims - former Taxpayer Advocate for the Franchise Tax Board and nationally-recognized state tax expert. Hear stories of how he's helped taxpayers with taxing situations and who you can trust for help. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 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 tax preparer. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 registered tax preparer or IRS enrolled agent can do your taxes for a fee. Anyone who is preparing tax returns without one of those four legal designations is breaking state law. And there are thousands doing just that.To find or verify the legal status of a tax preparer, visit ctec.org. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 those four professionals. CTEC Chair, Brandon Chanley, chats with Rebecca Landeros of the Franchise Tax Board's Tax Preparer Enforcement Team - she's the one who goes out and actually pays visits to questionable tax preparers throughout California.Hear what state is doing to stop fraud and Rebecca's advice to taxpayers.You can also find more tips on CTEC.org with links on how to find and verify a legal tax preparer. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Education Council (CTEC), chats with Esperanza Escobedo, a tax professional who has a true story to tell about a victim that encountered a 'ghost'. Joining her is Rebecca Landeros, part of the Franchise Tax Board Tax Preparer Enforcement Team, with insights on what she sees in the field and what to watch out for.In California, only an attorney, CPA, CTEC registered tax preparer or IRS enrolled agent can do your taxes for a fee. Anyone who is preparing tax returns without one of those four legal designations is breaking state law. And there are thousands doing just that.To find or verify the legal status of a tax preparer, visit CTEC.org. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 avoid it happening to you. Brandon Chanley, Chair of the California Tax Education Council (CTEC), chats with Fernando Angell, a tax professional with a true story about a victim he helped. In California, only an attorney, CPA, CTEC registered tax preparer or IRS enrolled agent can do your taxes for a fee. Anyone who is preparing tax returns without one of those four legal designations is breaking state law. And there are thousands doing just that.To find or verify the legal status of a tax preparer, visit CTEC.org. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.