The One Thing IRS Tax Scammers Hope You Don’t Know

The ongoing IRS tax scam that has topped the Dirty Dozen list for the past three years is the phone call where the person on the other end impersonates an IRS agent. These scammers target the most vulnerable taxpayers, which include the elderly, recent immigrants and those whose first language is not English. These scammers are counting on those Americans not being aware of how the IRS works.

So, in this case, just one bit of knowledge goes a long way in foiling the IRS scammers’ attempts at stealing your refund or filing a false tax return in your name.

Here is the only thing you really need to know. The IRS doesn’t call, they send a formal letter. Sear this into your brain.

If you ever receive a phone call or a voice message from anyone saying they are from the IRS, it’s a scam. If you owe the IRS money, they will send you a formal letter telling you that you owe them money.

These are things the IRS will NOT do:

• They will not call to tell you that you owe them money.

• They will not send you an email telling you that you owe them money.

• They will not threaten you.

• They will not use aggressive language

• They will not ask for payment on a prepaid debit card.

• They will not ask for personal financial information over the phone or in an email. (Remember, the IRS doesn’t call or send emails!)

If you do receive a phone call or message from anyone claiming to be an IRS representative, get their number and call the real IRS and report it immediately. Or, connect with me on TaxConnections.

Original Post By:  Barry Fowler

Barry Fowler is licensed to represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and is a longstanding member of several tax industry professional organizations including the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA), National Association of Tax Preparers (NATP), Texas Society of Enrolled Agents (TSEA), and the American Society of Tax Problem Solvers (ASTPS). With experience in the tax and finance industry spanning over twenty years, Fowler’s expertise includes tax resolution, personal financial planning, tax return preparation, financial statements, and general ledger bookkeeping. He has been instrumental in helping hundreds of people resolve complex tax issues with the IRS.

Subscribe to TaxConnections Blog

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.