Federal and state income tax returns are due in about a month, and they can be a complicated matter for many seniors.

Social security, pensions, annuities, and trusts are just some of the financial items that seniors need to reconcile with Uncle Sam by April 15 every year.

Unfortunately, the Internal Revenue Service says there are people out there who are looking to prey upon unsuspecting taxpayers. The IRS calls these tax scammers “ghost preparers,” meaning they do not send in your tax return to the government.

However, there are ways to keep your money safe. The Glens Falls Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing wants to make sure you protect yourself if you use a third party to prepare and file your taxes.

The IRS says these ghost preparers will promise you a big refund and charge fees based on the percentage of your refund (which may be bogus), and then they will refuse to sign the tax preparation form before it’s mailed in or e-filed.

Problem is, the IRS requires anyone who is paid to prepare or assist in preparing a federal tax return to have a valid 2019 Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). By law, paid preparers must sign the tax return and include their PTIN.

Your first warning sign that you may be dealing with a tax schemer is if they won’t sign your tax return or don’t have a PTIN.

Other red flags that might mean you have a tax cheat on your hands:

The person requires payment in cash and will not provide a receipt.

They inflate your tax return by providing fake income or making up bogus deductions.

They offer to pay you the refund money directly, and they direct your tax return money to be deposited in their bank account. If you are doing a direct deposit option on your return, be sure that the account number and bank routing number are correct.

The IRS has several resources to make sure you use a legitimate tax preparer this season. You can find a list of qualified tax professionals here, and the “Choosing a Tax Professional” page has information on the credentials and qualifications you should look for when you need someone to do your taxes.

Finding a reputable tax professional and following safety tips – like making sure your preparer has a PTIN and signs your return – will ensure that you receive all of the money you deserve.