This time of year, when you file your income tax returns before the April 15 federal deadline, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) urges you to be careful if a tax preparer offers to also help you prepare and file your immigration forms. Individuals and businesses that prepare tax returns may not be authorized to assist you with immigration services.

The only people authorized to give you legal advice on immigration are licensed attorneys and representatives accredited by the Board of Immigration Appeals. Attorneys and accredited representatives are the only ones authorized to:

• Explain which immigration options may be available to you;
• Advise you about which forms to submit; and
• Communicate with USCIS about your case.

Visit uscis.gov/avoidscams or uscis.gov/eviteestafas to learn how to recognize and avoid immigration scams and find authorized legal services.

If you believe you have been the victim of a scam involving a tax preparer, please report this scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ftccomplaintassistant.gov.