15 Oct Is this the IRS or a SCAM!
With the October 15th extension deadline upon us, the IRS will soon turn its attention to collection efforts. If you’ve missed the filing deadline from April 15th (or July 15th in 2020 due to COVID-19), and the October 15th deadline, you could be subject to late penalties and interest. Don’t forget you owe the taxes too! But this also is a key time for tax scammers!
So, is the IRS calling me?
The IRS initiates most contacts through mail delivered by the United States Postal Service. There are very rare circumstances in which the IRS will call or come to a home or business.
Collection: IRS collection employees may call or come to a home or business unannounced to collect a tax debt. This is not going to be the first time you’re hearing from them! The IRS uses private collection firms, but they will never ask you to pay with a big box store gift card.
Audits: IRS employees conducting audits may call you to set up appointments, but direct them immediately to your CPA, who will talk to the IRS on your behalf.
Criminal Investigations: IRS criminal investigators may visit a taxpayer’s home or business unannounced while conducting an investigation. However, these are federal law enforcement agents and they will not demand any sort of payment. AND this will also NOT be the first time you’re hearing from them.
So, what is a Scam?
Scammers use threats to intimidate, harass or bully you into paying right then. The IRS does not demand payment with a prepaid debit/gift card. They cannot revoke your driver’s license or business licenses. And they certainly will not bring in local law enforcement. They also do NOT email. The IRS maintains a laundry list of common scams on their website.
What can you do if you suspect a scam?
- Contact the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. Use their “IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting” web page. You can also call 800-366-4484.
- Report to the Federal Trade Commission. Use the “FTC Complaint Assistant” on FTC.gov and add “IRS Telephone Scam” in the notes.
- Report unsolicited email claiming to be from the IRS to phishing@irs.gov(link sends email).
Tax Defense Ohio are trained experts in tax resolution cases. If you get a letter from the IRS, a legit one, we can help. Consultation is always free. Call us at 614-524-4888 today!
