It is again time for the IRS to send out notices and bills to taxpayers and also reporting on cryptocurrency and healthcare which are focused on correspondence. Scammers are taking advantage of the fact that taxpayers are having a hard time distinguishing the real thing from fakes. Below are the things that you need to know.
Almost all taxpayers already know that the IRS would never ask for payment immediately without sending them a bill. Scammers then trick taxpayers by sending them letters, hoping that they would be convinced that it really is from the IRS.
For instance, they used a nonexistent agency called the “Bureau of Tax Enforcement” to send letters to threaten a taxpayer based on bogus delinquent taxes owed. Sometimes, to make you think that the letter is legitimate, the letter will use the IRS name itself. Earlier this summer, the IRS warned taxpayers about this trick.
Since then, the fake IRS letter is being reported by the taxpayers. In some variations of a letter, because of unpaid tax obligations, they are told that a warrant has been issued to a taxpayer. The letter goes on if the taxpayer doesn’t pay immediately, they will be warned that the warrant could result in arrest or other criminal action.
In other cases, facts about real tax debts are included in fake IRS letters. It sounds scary, right? Keep in mind that liens filed against taxpayers may be available to the public. And don’t be frightened because even if they know one or two facts about you, it doesn’t mean you have to give up cash or personal information.
When replying to correspondence, always take extra caution. To spot a legit IRS letter from a fake one, there are some helpful ways to do so. The following are some tips:
Don’t forget about the phone scam among all the tax scams coming from all directions this season. Phone scams are considered a major threat to taxpayers according to the IRS. In the 2019 “Dirty Dozen” list, phishing and phone scams topped. Below are the things that you should do instead of engaging or responding to scammers:
In times that you are in doubt, assume it is a scam. By remaining alert, always keep your personal information safe.
BRIAN PRZYSTUP & ASSOCIATES LLC