With the tax deadline of April 18 rapidly approaching, tax season is currently in full force. That being said, the IRS has issued an alert regarding the most common tax scams that you should be aware of this tax season.
Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP) impersonators.
The scam: You receive an email that appears to be from TAP about a tax refund that asks for your personal and financial information.
The truth: TAP is a volunteer based board that advises the IRS on systemic issues affecting taxpayers. TAP does not have access to and will never request any taxpayer’s personal or financial information whatsoever.
Defense: Do not respond or click the links in the email. Forward the email to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov and note that it seems to be a scam email phishing for your information.
IRS impersonators
The scam: Your phone rings and a caller says, “I’m from the IRS, you owe us money, and we’re going to throw you in jail if you don’t pay immediately with a pre-paid debit card or wire transfer.”
The truth: The IRS will not make initial contact about your tax return over the phone, and will never require you to pay your taxes via debit or credit card or wire transfer.
Defense: Hang up immediately. Report the scam attempt to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, the Federal Trade Commission, and the IRS.
Fake charities
The scam: You’re approached via telephone call, social media, email, or in-person solicitation, and asked to donate to a newly established charity to help “educate the public” about victims of the floods in South Carolina or other major disaster.
The truth: Scammers want both your money and to lure you into revealing personal information so they can compromise your financial identity.
Defense: Find out if the charity is registered in your state by visiting the website of the National Association of State Charity Officials. Also check with the Better Business Bureau, Charity Navigator, GuideStar, or similar watchdog groups.
Protect yourself from scams by calling us if you are unsure whether the IRS is trying to contact you or not. We are happy to discuss your tax questions and provide you with accurate, concise answers. The professionals at Alloy Silverstein are here to help.
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