A ghost preparer is someone who doesn’t sign the tax returns they prepare for while still charging a fee for preparing the returns. Unscrupulous ghost preparers often fabricate tax benefits to inflate refunds, so learn to spot the signs of a “tax ghost preparer” who might be jeopardizing your tax return. Protect yourself from unseen tax troubles by avoiding these ghost preparers and getting a trustworthy professional for this 2025 tax season.