02/16/2026
At Providence Steward, we believe tax preparation is more than filing forms — it’s stewardship of your financial life.
Choosing the wrong tax preparer can cost you far more than a fee. Every year, taxpayers are harmed by:
• Fraudulent preparers who inflate refunds to boost their own pay
• Ghost preparers who won’t sign returns — leaving you liable
• Uncredentialed preparers with no licensing, no ethics oversight, and no continuing education requirements
The IRS regularly pursues cases where taxpayers must repay refunds, face penalties, or deal with identity theft — simply because they trusted the wrong person.
Before you choose a preparer, ask:
âś” Are you credentialed (EA, CPA, or Attorney)?
âś” Will you sign my return and include your PTIN?
âś” Will you stand behind your work if the IRS contacts me?
Your return is signed under penalty of perjury.
You deserve a professional who treats it that seriously.