Overview - Abusive Return Preparer
Criminal Investigation Return Preparer Program (RPP) establish procedures to foster compliance by identifying, investigating and prosecuting abusive return preparers

Definition - Abusive Return Preparer
A Return Preparer is defined as any person (including a partnership or corporation) who prepares for compensation all or a substantial portion of a tax return or claim for refund under the income tax provisions of the Internal Revenue Code

Return Preparation and Electronic Filing - Abusive Return Preparer
The advent of electronic filing of income tax returns by electronic return transmitters has provided a new mechanism for unscrupulous preparers to commit fraud

Tactics Used by Dishonest Abusive Return Preparers
Dishonest tax preparers use a variety of methods to formulate fraudulent and illegal deductions reducing taxable income

Helpful Hints when choosing a Return Preparer to ensure you don't hire an Abusive Return Preparer
When preparing your tax return remember ...

Statistical Data - Abusive Return Preparers
Enforcement statistics on investigations initiated, prosecutions recommended, indictments, sentencings and months to serve in prison.

Examples of Abusive Return Preparer investigations
Examples have been written from public record documents filed in the district courts where the case was prosecuted.

Reporting Fraud and Abuse Within the IRS E-File Program
You should report fraudulent or abusive returns, including those with questionable Forms W2

Criminal Investigation (CI) home page

How to Report Suspected Tax Fraud Activities