Summertime Scams
Friday, July 7th, 2017 | Uncategorized | No Comments
It is summertime, and the scammers are out in full force. As recent as June 26, the IRA has updated its website warning taxpayers of scams. So how do you know if it is really the IRS calling or knocking on your door?
First and foremost, the IRS initiates most contacts through regular mail delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. If you have not received a notice by mail of a balance due, the IRS will not be calling or coming to your house. The IRS employees do sometimes make official unannounced visits as part of their routine casework; however, this unannounced visit will never be the first contact. And remember, if the IRS is able to find your house, they would have sent a letter.
Some of the signs of a scam are as follows:
» If payment is demanded in a specific payment method such as a prepaid debit card, gift card, or wire transfer
» If payment is demanded without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount due
» If the person threatens to bring local police or revoke a taxpayer’s driver’s license
The IRS has implemented the use of private debt collectors. The use of private debt collectors is again an opportunity for scammers. However, these private debt collectors are only being assigned cases after giving the taxpayer written notice. The cases being assigned to these private collectors are outstanding inactive tax receivables. If you do have an outstanding tax liability and are working with the IRS to resolve the issue, you will not be contacted by a collection agency.
Finally, remember your rights as a taxpayer. Your taxpayer bill of rights are: To be informed, to receive quality service, to pay no more than the correct amount of tax, to challenge the position of the IRS and be heard, to appeal the decision of the IRS in an independent forum, to finality, to privacy, to confidentiality, to retain representation, and to a fair and just tax system.
For questions related to this subject, or for questions related to other financial or tax related issues, please call our office at 865-986-4035.
Any accounting, business, or tax advice contained in this communication is not intended as a thorough, in-depth analysis of specific issues, nor a substitute for a formal opinion, nor is it sufficient to avoid tax-related penalties.
Allen Scott, CPA
111 East Broadway
Lenoir City, TN 37771
865-986-4035
allen@ascottcpa.com
