Tax filing season is traumatic enough. Don't let yourself be conned out of even more money through tax preparer fraud.

Beware of:

• Preparers who want to charge you for information or services that the IRS offers for free.

• Preparers who claim that paying tax is voluntary or that there are certain shelters they can sell you to erase your tax bill. Paying income taxes is not voluntary; the IRS is legitimate; and most such "shelters" could land you in jail for tax evasion.

• Preparers who offer "refund anticipation loans," only to tack on high fees and interest. Most tax refunds are paid within weeks, especially if the returns were filed electronically. Waiting usually costs less than the loan does.

"Consumers are always looking for ways to save hard-earned money and this makes deals that sound too good to be true tempting," Ohio Attorney General Jim Petro said. "But claims that a tax preparer can help consumers avoid paying taxes or help them qualify for special refunds simply aren't true."

Not all are qualified

Petro came through Cincinnati Wednesdsay - his first trip to the Tristate since his election last fall - in part to promote greater taxpayer education about fraud.

Part of the problem is that non-credentialed tax preparers are not licensed and get little regulatory oversight, Petro said.

Anyone can call themselves a tax preparer - but not everyone is qualified to do the work.

Professional tax preparers typically come in three varieties:

• CPAs: Certified Public Accountants will have the most training, but are also the most expensive. They are typically employed for more complicated returns.

• EAs: Enrolled Agents are well-trained preparers who have been authorized by the IRS to represent clients in audits.

• Retail tax preparers: These are the folks who work at H&R Block or Jackson Hewitt-type businesses. They often undergo extensive training, but are not certified through an official organization as CPAs and EAs are.

Tax fraud, however, can come from a preparer with any level of certification and training.

Ohio fraud statutes apply to them all, and require such professionals to fully disclose their background, training, experience and fees. Terms of refund anticipation loans should be clearly explained.

"Don't let them take advantage of you there," Petro said.

Be vigilant

Petro's first tip to avoid tax preparer fraud is awareness. Be aware of what your preparer is promising and charging - and then report it if it seems fishy.

Maybe you got charged more money than you thought. Maybe you got sold an illegal tax shelter.

"Those issues there might be worth checking out," Petro said. "If they feel they've been cheated in any way, they should call our consumer hotline."

1-800-282-0515.

Contact Amy Higgins at 768-8373; ahiggins@enquirer.com; or 312 Elm St., Cincinnati 45202. She regrets that she cannot reply to all individual questions.