Notarios: unauthorized practice of law A notary, or notary public, is NOT an attorney. A notary public CANNOT give legal advice, draft legal papers, or review documents for legality. You NOT the notary, will be held responsible if any fraudulent or wrong documents are filed on your behalf! This can impact your immigration case and your taxes! Discuss who can practice immi law: lawyers, DOJ representatives, law students with attorney supervision

Warning signs you may be dealing with a notario In your immigration case, do not hire someone who: Guarantees you a visa or immigration status or claims to have a special relationship with immigration authorities. Refuses to show you their license or accreditation. Refuses to give you a contract for their services. Asks you to sign blank or incomplete forms, or forms with wrong or false information. Offers other services, such as tax preparation. Does not have a physical office and can only be contacted by email or phone.

Warning signs you may be dealing with a notario Avoid an audit—do not hire a tax preparer who: Charges a fee based on a percentage of your refund. Refuses to give you their PTIN number (Preparer Tax Identification Number). Asks you to deposit your refund into a bank account that is not yours. Asks you to sign a blank tax return. Asks you to pay a health insurance penalty directly to them instead of the IRS. Charges you to file a return when you have low income

What To expect from A legal service provider? A contract An easy way to communicate with your representative A clear fee schedule Copies of all documents submitted on your behalf Clarifications and updates on your case Understand how to terminate the legal relationship Remember: Always get a copy or government filing receipt whenever anything is submitted in your case. Get written contracts and make sure you receive a receipt, especially if you pay cash.

Legal Services Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative www.houstonimmigration.org Immigrant Rights Hotline 1-888-507-2970 Monday - Thursday, 2 to 6pm File a complaint against a notario Lone Star Legal Aid (713) 652-0077

tax Assistance Baker Ripley VN Team Network Houston College of Law LITC Lone Star Legal Aid LITC Houston Volunteer Lawyers LITC 6500 Rookin St, Bldg. C 713-957-4357 10am - 2pm 11210 Bellaire Blvd #118 281-495-8936 10am -2pm 1-800-646-1253 713-646-2990 Taxclinic @hcl.edu 1-800-733-8394 713-652-0077 www.lone starlegal.org 713-228-0735 www.make justice happen.org