Avoid Tax Scams

Each tax filing season, scammers pose as IRS agents to trick residents into sharing personal information. By sharing this information, your life savings could be compromised. Avoid tax scams with these helpful tips:

• Choose tax preparers with caution and research before handing over your information
• Watch for unsolicited emails, texts, and fake websites that might prompt you to click a link or share personal information
• Be on alert for phone scams; IRS representatives will never demand payments over the phone or leave threatening messages

If you suspect fraudulent tax activity, report it to the IRS. You can also report fraud or scams to the Federal Trade Commission. For more tips, visit IRS.gov.

More Tips : 

• • The IRS will NEVER:
    
    • Initiate contact via email, text message, or social media to request personal or financial information.
    • Call to demand immediate payment using specific methods like gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or prepaid debit cards.
    • Threaten to bring in local police or other law enforcement to arrest you for non-payment.
    • Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone. 

• • File Early: Submitting your return as soon as possible reduces the window for a fraudster to file a fake return using your Social Security number.
  • Get an IP PIN: Enroll in the IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) program. This is a six-digit number known only to you and the IRS that prevents others from filing a return in your name.
  • Use Strong Credentials: Protect your tax accounts with unique, complex passwords and always enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) where available.
  • Verify Preparers: Only use reputable, credentialed tax professionals. Check their credentials in the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers. Avoid anyone who refuses to sign your return or bases their fee on the size of your refund. 

• • Don’t Click Links: If you receive an “urgent” tax message with a link, do not click it. Instead, go directly to the official IRS website or log into your IRS Online Account to check your status.
  • Hang Up and Call Back: If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from the IRS, hang up. Use official numbers like 1-800-829-1040 to verify if there is a legitimate issue.
  • Be Wary of Social Media: Beware of viral “tax tips” or influencers promising “secret” credits; these often lead to audits or penalties. 

• • Phishing Emails/Texts: Forward the message or a screenshot to phishing@irs.gov.
  • Impersonation Calls: Report them to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) at 1-800-366-4484.
  • General Fraud: File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).