Tax time is stressful enough without the double whammy of being victimized by a scamster tax preparer.

Some of these crooks even file returns without a consumer’s consent.

Financial advisors and their clients can save themselves from a wealth of aggravations by taking some simple steps to avoid these fraudsters, the IRS warned Monday.

Be on the watch for incompetence as well as fraud, the IRS emphasized, because taxpayers are legally responsible for what is on their tax return even if someone else prepares it.

Among the easy vetting the IRS recommended is to ask if the preparer has an IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN).

“Paid tax return preparers are required to register with the IRS, have a PTIN and include it on tax returns,” the agency explained.

The IRS also cautioned against giving a tax preparer tax documents and Social Security numbers when a consumer is only looking at the possibility of hiring the professional or the firm.

“Some preparers have improperly filed returns without the taxpayer’s permission once the records were obtained,” the IRS alerted.

When consumers are ready to sign on the dotted line, they should make sure the preparers are asking for a host of documents necessary to determine an individual’s total income, deductions, tax credits and other items.

“Do not rely on a preparer who is willing to e-file your return using your last pay stub instead of your Form W-2. This is against IRS e-file rules,” the agency warned.

Never sign a blank return.

People suspecting they’ve found a scamster tax preparer should also file Form 14157-A, Return Preparer Fraud or Misconduct Affidavit from IRS.gov.

To check on a tax preparer’s qualification, consumers should use the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications.

The directory is a searchable and sortable listing of certain preparers registered with the IRS. It includes the name, city, state and zip code of attorneys, CPAs, enrolled agents, enrolled retirement plan agents, enrolled actuaries and annual filing season program participants.