Widespread Lack Of Regulation In Atlanta's Paid Tax Prep Services

Tax season is here and the deadline to file is Monday, April 18th. But make sure to check the credentials of the person who files your taxes. A new study by consumer advocacy group Georgia Watch found widespread lack of regulation and protections for consumers for paid tax preparation services. 
 

Elise Blasingame is the primary investigator for the study. She shares with us some of the report's findings and how you can protect yourself. 
 
"80% of researchers did not ask that particular researcher for identification so she could have been pretending to be anybody, especially with the high rates of identity theft," Elise Blasingame discussing the results of a 'secret shopper' investigation.

Georgia Watch worked with Georgia Tech to create a map of certified tax preparation services around the state. Some of the services are free depending on your income.