Authorities Crack Down On Tax Businesses Without Licenses

The Broward Sheriff’s Office made its rounds Thursday to check illegal tax businesses recently set up for the busy tax season.

The sheriff’s office warned that the people hired to do taxes could also be the people trying to steal your identity.

"Right around tax season all these tax locations open up to file people's returns and that's where the majority of identity thefts come from," said Sgt. Patrick Murray.

Authorities said that dozens of tax return preparers have opened up in Oakland Park just in the last few months but not all of the companies are legitimate.

Two men working at Tax USA were taken away in handcuffs Thursday after police found they did not have a business tax license from the city or the county. They also didn’t have a Preparer Tax Identification Number, which are all things that the government requires.

But other places in the area were in compliance. Accountant Joseph Fisher had last year’s license displayed and was able to provide his new one.

“I can't really speak for everybody else that puts out these signs in the street,” Fisher said. “This is up to these officers to enforce this and I appreciate that."

A different business shut and locked their doors because they did not have an updated license.

Fouche Remy was issued a promise to appear for running his own business under the same roof as a tax preparer’s. He says he didn't have an occupational license because he didn't know he needed one.

"I have 10 years I've worked with computers and no one told me I need a license for that," said Remy.

Deputies urge the public to do their homework so that personal information does not fall into the wrong hands.
 

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