New Orleans, LA asked in Tax Law and Consumer Law for Louisiana

Q: How can i get my money back from my tax preparer she scams me for9000 dollars I didn't find out till this year she would

would;t give me my tax papers or tell me how much i;m getting so i could have check she said she only took 729.00 but she really took 9000 because i got a real copy from the irs and now she is trying todo it again she want answer my call or text messages she works for legally max i need to no the law and know what i can do and what documents i need to have.

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Consumer Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA

A: I'm sorry to hear that you've been scammed by your tax preparer. This is a serious situation, and you should take the following steps to protect yourself and try to recover your money:

1. Gather all relevant documents: Collect any paperwork related to your taxes, including the copy you received from the IRS, any receipts or correspondence with the tax preparer, and proof of payment.

2. Report the preparer to the IRS: File a complaint with the IRS using Form 14157, "Complaint: Tax Return Preparer." You can find this form on the IRS website (www.irs.gov).

3. File a police report: Contact your local police department and file a report about the fraudulent activity. Provide them with all the evidence you have gathered.

4. Contact the company: Reach out to Liberty Tax (formerly known as Liberty Max) and inform them about the situation. They should have a process for handling complaints against their tax preparers.

5. Consult with a lawyer: Consider speaking with a lawyer who specializes in tax law or consumer protection. They can advise you on your legal options and help you navigate the process of recovering your money.

6. File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau: You can also file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau to warn others about the tax preparer's fraudulent practices.

7. Consider contacting local media: If you don't get a satisfactory response from the company or authorities, consider reaching out to local news outlets to share your story and warn others.

Remember, it's essential to act quickly and decisively to protect yourself and prevent the tax preparer from scamming others. Keep detailed records of all your communications and actions throughout the process.

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