Michiganders reminded to vet tax preparers

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is reminding people to do their research before handing over financial information during tax season.

Her latest video stresses the importance of vigilance when selecting a tax preparer. 

“After a year like 2020, it’s understandable more people will need assistance filing their taxes,” Nessel said. “That’s why it’s so important to make sure you can trust the person preparing them. There are bad actors out there waiting to take advantage of tax payers.”

Michiganders need to remember:

  • Research the person or company you’ll be filing with.
  • Never hand over your social security number to someone you don’t know you can trust.
  • Take your completed return directly to the post office if you file by mail.
  • Use a secure internet connection, not public wifi, if you file electronically.
  • The IRS will never ask for payment over the phone or call to threaten a lawsuit or an arrest.

The video is part of a series of informative and humorous videos focused on consumer protection.

They are posted periodically on the Department’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.

Additional resources are always available by visiting the attorney general’s Consumer Protection webpage on the webiste www.michigan.gov/ag.