Nevada Warns Against Unlicensed Tax Preparers Ahead of Deadline

The Secretary of State's Office offers tips to avoid fraud and scams this tax season.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:09pm

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An extreme close-up of the intricate mechanical components of a tax filing machine, conveying the heavy, industrial nature of the tax preparation process.As tax season reaches its peak, the complex machinery behind tax preparation services highlights the need for Nevadans to be vigilant about using only licensed and reputable preparers.Las Vegas Today

The Nevada Secretary of State's Office is warning taxpayers to be cautious when using tax preparation services, as unlicensed preparers may try to take advantage of people rushing to file their returns before the April 15 deadline. The office recommends verifying that a preparer is properly registered and licensed, and avoiding any offers of 'rapid refunds' or unusually large returns, as these can be red flags for fraud.

Why it matters

Tax season is a prime time for scammers to target vulnerable populations, such as the Latino and elderly communities, with fraudulent tax preparation services. The Secretary of State's Office is working to educate the public and protect them from falling victim to these schemes.

The details

The Nevada Secretary of State's Office licenses and regulates Document Preparation Services to ensure that individuals offering these services are properly registered, provide required disclosures, and comply with Nevada law. The office also investigates complaints and takes enforcement action when violations occur. Before paying for tax preparation services, the secretary of state recommends verifying the preparer's registration, avoiding any offers of 'rapid refunds' or unusually large returns, and considering free tax preparation services.

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

The players

Nevada Secretary of State Francisco Aguilar

The Nevada Secretary of State, who is warning taxpayers about the risks of using unlicensed tax preparers and offering tips to avoid fraud.

Nevada Secretary of State's Office

The state agency that licenses and regulates tax preparation services in Nevada, investigates complaints, and takes enforcement action against violations.

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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

The Secretary of State's Office will continue to investigate complaints and take enforcement action against unlicensed tax preparers in the state.

The takeaway

This tax season, it's crucial for Nevadans to be vigilant and verify the credentials of any tax preparer they plan to use, in order to avoid falling victim to fraud and scams that can have serious financial consequences.