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| The IRS only contacts taxpayers via the United States Postal Service |
| The IRS annually releases the “Dirty Dozen,” a list of tax-related scams that become more prevalent during tax season. These scams put people at risk of losing money and compromising their personal information. It is recommended that individuals never share sensitive personal information over the phone, email, or social media as these scams rely on people not realizing this. |
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| The Scams to Watch Out ForThe IRS warns about scams concerning the Employee Retention Credit, where false information is given about eligibility and credit amounts. Phishing and smashing are also on the rise, with fake communication from someone posing as a legitimate financial organization, with the goal of obtaining personal and financial information for identity theft.Scammers may promise businesses larger refunds than expected by claiming false fuel credits on their vehicles or equipment. Taxpayers should be aware of these scams and only claim eligible credits. Additionally, people should be cautious of fake charities that solicit donations for disaster relief or other causes but do not use the money for those purposes.Scammers are attempting to obtain money and personal information, leading to potential financial loss and identity theft. Only donating to qualified tax-exempt organizations and asking callers about their status can weed out illegitimate organizations. |
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| In addition to others, the following are some examples of scams that the IRS wants individuals to be aware of this year:Third-party reaching out to offer assistance with your IRS Online Account without prior knowledge.Dishonest tax preparers who aim to exploit you.Misinformation on social media.”Offer in Compromise” mills that falsely claim to represent or be affiliated with the IRS.To avoid tax scams, it is essential to ensure that your taxes are handled appropriately by a professional you trust. This is especially important for complicated taxes or business owners. A professional can not only ensure that your taxes are filed correctly, but they can also help you avoid tax scams. |