Nevada Secretary of State warns of fake tax preparers ahead of filing deadline

Aguilar urges Nevadans to be wary of unregistered tax preparers offering 'rapid refunds' or unusually large returns

Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:05pm

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A somber, cinematic painting of an elderly Latino man sitting alone at a desk, surrounded by warm light and deep shadows, conveying a sense of unease and vulnerability around tax season.As tax season reaches its peak, vulnerable populations face heightened risks of fraud from unscrupulous tax preparers.Las Vegas Today

Nevada Secretary of State Francisco Aguilar is warning residents to be on the lookout for unregistered tax preparers trying to take advantage of people rushing to file their taxes before the April 15 deadline. Aguilar is advising Nevadans, especially vulnerable communities like the Latino and elderly populations, to be aware of red flags like offers of 'rapid refunds' or unusually large returns, and to check the Secretary of State's website to verify if a tax preparer is registered in the state.

Why it matters

Tax filing fraud can have serious consequences for victims, leading to identity theft, financial losses, and issues with the IRS. By raising awareness of this issue, the Secretary of State's office hopes to protect Nevadans, especially those who may be more susceptible to these scams.

The details

According to the Secretary of State's office, fraudulent tax preparers often target vulnerable communities like Latino and elderly populations, offering 'rapid refunds' or unusually large returns as a way to take advantage of people rushing to file their taxes. The office is urging Nevadans to verify if a tax preparer is registered in the state before paying for their services, and to file a complaint if they encounter an unregistered preparer.

  • The IRS tax filing deadline is April 15, 2026.

The players

Francisco Aguilar

The Nevada Secretary of State, who is warning residents about the threat of unregistered tax preparers ahead of the filing deadline.

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What they’re saying

“While Nevadans rush to get their taxes filed ahead of the deadline next week, fraudsters who claim to be registered tax preparers are looking for opportunities to take advantage of those who need help. Some of our most vulnerable communities, including our Latino and elderly populations, can be targeted by these scammers.”

— Francisco Aguilar, Nevada Secretary of State

“We're urging Nevadans to be on the lookout for warning signs and if something doesn't seem right – don't pay, walk away.”

— Francisco Aguilar, Nevada Secretary of State

What’s next

Nevadans can search for registered tax preparers on the Secretary of State's website and file complaints about unregistered preparers in English or Spanish.

The takeaway

This warning from the Nevada Secretary of State highlights the importance of verifying the credentials of tax preparers, especially as the filing deadline approaches and people may be more vulnerable to scams. By raising awareness, the office hopes to protect Nevadans, particularly those in vulnerable communities, from falling victim to tax filing fraud.