Beware of fake tax agents: ATO

FAKE tax agents are on the ATO radar this tax time and it warns Aussies to keep an eye out for people pretending to be tax agents, or offering refunds that sound too good to be true.

“We see too many instances where people have unwittingly used an unregistered preparer, which has resulted in a significant tax debt and loss of money, or instances where fraudulent claims are lodged in their name without their knowledge,” ATO assistant commissioner Karen Foat said.

Only registered tax agents can charge a fee to prepare a return and taxpayers can check if their tax agent is registered by visiting tpb.gov.au.