Tax Tip Tuesday: Tax Scam
Today we want to discuss a tax scam that is continuing to be a big problem. Scammers are posing as the IRS. This is a scam we’ve brought awareness to during previous tax seasons, but it continues to be an issue.
The IRS says that these scammers use scare tactics. They use threats including arrest or deportation and say they will take away your license if you don’t pay. Sometimes they leave urgent messages requesting that you call them back. This may be through a robo-call by phone or an email. The emails may have a realistic, but fake IRS document that has a phone number or email for you to reply.
Scammers have altered their called ID making it look like the IRS is calling. They even have a fake IRS title and badge number in attempts to appear official. They may use resources online to obtain details about your life, including your name and address, to make them seem legitimate.
Scammers are targeting people through email and regular mail. They use a copied IRS official letterhead in email and regular mail. In a new scam, they have used an actual IRS address for where the victim should mail a receipt for the payment they make to help make the scam look official.
The IRS says that they will NEVER
Call you to demand immediate payment. The IRS will not call you if you owe taxes without first sending you a bill in the mail.
Demand that you pay taxes and not allow you to question or appeal the amount that you owe.
Require that you pay your taxes a certain way. For instance, require that you pay with a prepaid debit card.
Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.
Threaten to bring in police or other agencies to arrest you for not paying.
If you ever have a question about an email or piece of regular mail that you received, don’t hesitate to contact us at 515.225.3141 or email cbrand@ryungivens.com.
Disclaimer: The items included in the Tax Tip Tuesday Video Blog are informational only and are not meant as tax advice. Consult with your tax advisor to determine how any item applies to your situation. IRS Circular 230 disclosure: To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the IRS, we inform you that any U.S. federal tax advise contained in this communication (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein.
