Tips to help avoid tax scams
We continue to warn our clients about potential tax scams and schemes proliferating through our society. These con artists work around the clock, and we are sending this reminder to remain vigilant to avoid being caught in one of these unsavory scams or schemes.
As a reminder, the IRS, State tax agencies, Social Security, or other taxing authority will NOT initiate contact with a taxpayer via email, text or voice messages, or calls to home or cell phone numbers. In some situations, agents may call or go to a home or business, but not often.
The first question taxpayers should ask themselves first is, “Do I owe any taxes, and have I received a letter recently about a balance due?” If the answer is NO, it is safe to assume the contact is not legitimate and can be reported to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov or the Federal Trade Commission. If you are still unsure, let the caller know that you will contact your tax preparer before providing any personal information, even if the caller already has personal information about you.
The following article provides additional details of what to do if you receive one of these calls and how criminals use scare tactics to elicit fear.
As always, we are here to help and ask you to remain vigilant in the face of these scams.