Money Management

You’re not stuck working with someone you really don’t trust. 

The purpose of hiring a tax preparer is to make the process of getting your taxes done more seamless and less stressful. But if you choose the wrong tax preparer, you may not have that experience.

Some tax preparers are extremely professional and are great at what they do, to the point where the fees they charge can more than make up for themselves in the form of higher tax refunds. But what if your tax preparer ends up coming off as dishonest and downright shady?

You should know that in that case, your best bet is to fire that person immediately and seek help from a more trustworthy tax professional. But you should also report that shady tax preparer to the IRS to help other filers avoid falling victim to their unscrupulous practices.

Signs your tax preparer isn’t following the rules

There are different red flags that might arise that lead you to believe your tax preparer is a shady character best avoided. For one thing, if your tax preparer tries to claim bogus deductions on your tax return, that’s a huge problem.

Maybe you spent $2,000 on electronics for personal use last year but also earned $2,000 via your side hustle of caring for animals. If your tax preparer tells you to lie and pretend that the $2,000 you spent on a TV and gaming system was for your side hustle, that’s a big problem.

Even if you have the $2,000 credit card tab to back up that purchase, the IRS might ask questions. And in that situation, you’re the one who’s likely to end up in hot water.

Another red flag to keep in mind is if your tax preparer says they’ll base their fee as a percentage of your total refund amount. In that situation, you can bank on your tax preparer trying to squeeze out a higher refund so they can get more money out of you.

Finally, if your tax preparer refuses to sign your tax return, that’s a problem. As the IRS says on its website, “By law, anyone who is paid to prepare or assists in preparing federal tax returns must have a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number, or PTIN. Paid preparers must sign and include their PTIN on the return.” So if your tax preparer won’t sign your return even though you’re paying them to do your taxes, they’re breaking the law.

How to report an unethical tax preparer

The IRS wants to know about tax preparers who break the rules. If your tax preparer falls into this category, you can file a report so the IRS can investigate the matter. If the IRS is able to shut that person’s business down, you’ll end up sparing other innocent people from the stress you experienced.

The good news is that most tax preparers are honest, trustworthy people who stand behind their work and provide excellent customer service. But in any given industry, there are generally a few bad eggs, and tax preparation is no exception. The best you can do if you come across a shady tax preparer is take steps to make sure that they’re not able to continue doing what they do.

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Let’s face it — we’re all ready for springtime. 

There’s something special in the air as the season warms and we can once again look forward to time outdoors. If you’d like to spruce things up a bit while you’re planning for Easter, why not take advantage of Sam’s Club specials? Here are five that can help you get on your way.

1. Easter baskets: $33 to $70

Shipping only

If you’re looking for a last-minute gift to have delivered but don’t want to waste money buying something the recipient doesn’t want or need, Sam’s Club offers an amazing collection of Easter baskets. What’s great about their selection is that there’s something for everyone, regardless of age. From traditional Easter bunny baskets for kids to fresh fruit baskets for adults, each one is carefully curated and designed.

Want to really blow someone’s socks off? The Easter Chocolate Bliss Gift Basket offers an impressive collection. Arranged in a festive basket, there’s gourmet chocolate, a jumbo peanut butter cup, caramel corn (both plain and chocolate drizzled), chocolate covered pretzels, white chocolate bark, chocolate dipped dried fruit, and more. At $53, it’s an easy way to let someone know you’re thinking about them.

Shipping is free for Sam’s Club Plus members.

2. Fresh flowers: $7 to $20

In-store

Whether you’ve been invited somewhere over Easter weekend and don’t want to show up empty-handed or you’re looking for a little springtime color in your own home, don’t forget about Sam’s Club flowers.

The Member’s Mark Premium Jumbo Bouquet is absolutely stunning at $17.

3. Member’s Mark 15-Piece Hard Anodized Aluminum Cookware Set: $140

In-store or shipped

Whether you’re just starting out or simply need to get a new cookware set without draining your bank account, this 15-piece set provides everything you need to create the perfect Easter meal. Here’s what the set includes:

2-quart covered saucepan with lid3-quart covered saucepan with lid4-quart covered saucepan with lid5.5-quart covered deep saute pan with lid8″ saute pan10″ saute pan12″ saute pan5-quart covered Dutch oven with lid8-quart covered stockpot with lid

The entire set has stainless-steel casting handles, and the saucepan lids have straining holes and pour spouts to make everything a little easier.

4. Member’s Mark 10’x10′ Instant Canopy: $100

In-store

Need somewhere for guests (or the kids) to relax without being baked by the sun? This canopy with EasyLift Technology is so easy to set up that one or two people can have it ready to go in a matter of minutes. With 100 square feet of space and shade, eight to 12 adults can easily pull up a lawn chair and enjoy one another’s company.

You don’t have to worry about it if members of your party are particularly tall. The center peak of the canopy can be adjusted to a height of 9’10.”

5. Inflatable Outdoor Screen: $100

In-store or shipped

If you’re looking to do something a little different as the weather warms up this year, plan for a movie night in the comfort of your own backyard. This inflatable outdoor screen provides 10.5′ of viewing pleasure, and inflates in less than two minutes. You bring the projector and the speaker, and your family and friends can join you to watch your favorite movies or cheer on your hometown sports team.

Finally, Sam’s Club will be closed on Easter Sunday, but if you notice that your Easter baskets are looking a little sparse, the warehouse store carries a wide variety of Easter candy and toys. Feel free to swing by on Saturday and pick up everything you need. You don’t even have to bust your budget to make it happen.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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