IRS Atlanta Office Warns Against Fraudulent Tax Preparers

Officials urge taxpayers to be vigilant as tax season begins

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The IRS Atlanta Field Office is warning taxpayers to be on the lookout for unscrupulous tax preparers who engage in fraudulent activities like false refund schemes, inflating income and expenses, and other criminal tax violations. The office is highlighting several recent cases where tax preparers were sentenced to prison for filing millions in false returns.

Why it matters

Tax preparer fraud can have serious consequences for both taxpayers and the overall tax system. Unsuspecting filers may end up owing the IRS large sums in back taxes, penalties and interest if their returns contain false information. This undermines trust in the tax system and allows criminals to profit at the expense of honest taxpayers.

The details

In fiscal year 2025, IRS Criminal Investigation identified $4.5 billion in tax fraud, more than double the amount from the previous year. The Atlanta Field Office is urging taxpayers to be cautious when choosing a tax preparer, avoid those who promise large refunds or charge based on the refund amount, and never sign a blank return. Taxpayers should also be wary of scams via email, text, and social media that try to steal personal information or encourage false tax filings.

  • The 2026 tax season is officially underway.
  • In fiscal year 2025, IRS-CI identified $4.5 billion in tax fraud.

The players

IRS Criminal Investigation Atlanta Field Office

The local office of the IRS agency responsible for investigating criminal tax violations.

Demetrius Hardeman

Special Agent in Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation Atlanta Field Office.

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What they’re saying

“IRS Criminal Investigation plays a critical role in safeguarding the nation's tax system. Over 60% of our time is devoted to investigating criminal tax cases ranging from questionable refund schemes and return preparer fraud to abusive tax shelters and other complex financial crimes. These efforts ensure that those who attempt to cheat the system are held accountable, reinforcing fairness and trust in our tax administration.”

— Demetrius Hardeman, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office

What’s next

The IRS is urging taxpayers to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement and the IRS. Vetted tax preparers can be found on the IRS website, and free IRS-certified help is available through the Free File program.

The takeaway

This warning highlights the ongoing problem of tax preparer fraud and the need for taxpayers to be vigilant when choosing a tax professional. By being cautious and reporting suspicious activity, taxpayers can help protect themselves and the integrity of the tax system.