As the new year approaches, it’s time to prepare for tax season. Now is the perfect time to gather documents, make any end-of-year financial decisions that impact your filing, and position yourself for a smooth tax filing process with your accountant or tax professional.
Unfortunately, scammers are also gearing up for the tax season to take advantage of unsuspecting taxpayers while you’re busy organizing your finances. From posing as IRS agents to creating fake correspondence, these scams can cost you more than just money—they can also compromise your personal information. Being aware of common schemes is key to staying safe.
Fraudulent Letters Posing as Official IRS Mail
Receiving a letter from the IRS can make anyone nervous. It’s natural to question whether there’s an issue with your taxes or an error that needs fixing—but could something worse be happening?
Scammers exploit this fear by sending fake correspondence to mimic official IRS communications. These fraudulent letters often demand immediate action or payment, pushing recipients to respond without proper verification. Before you react, take the time to confirm that the letter is genuine. The IRS provides resources to help you verify their correspondence.
Creating Urgency Through Phone Calls, Emails, or Text Messages
Scammers also prey on taxpayers by using phone calls, emails, or text messages to create a false sense of urgency. They may claim you owe money and must pay immediately to avoid penalties or legal action. It’s important to remember that the IRS communicates primarily through physical mail sent to your last known address and will never demand immediate payment without an opportunity to appeal.
They do not call, text, or email demanding immediate payment or threatening consequences for failure to respond immediately. Recognizing this can help you stay calm and identify these messages for what they are: scams designed to pressure you into acting without thinking and giving up your hard-earned money and information.
Showing Up At Your Door
The IRS used to do home visits for people who had unresolved tax matters, but they recently announced they no longer do unannounced home visits. If someone shows up at your door claiming to be with the IRS, you should immediately close the door and contact the police. The danger in these situations could be more serious than just stealing your identity and money, and you should proceed with immense caution. Do NOT let anyone inside who is posing as an IRS agent.
Attempts to “Confirm” Your Account or Personal Information
Another common tactic involves scammers posing as IRS representatives who claim you are owed a larger refund. To “process” this refund, they’ll ask for sensitive information like your bank account details, Social Security number, or even a photo of your driver’s license. This information allows them to steal your identity and quickly drain your accounts before you even notice what happened. Always verify the legitimacy of the person or entity you’re dealing with before sharing any personal or financial information.
Suspicious Payment Methods
Scammers often request payment in unconventional ways, such as gift cards or cryptocurrencies. The IRS does not accept gift cards or crypto payments, and any request for these types of payments is a major red flag. Trust your instincts and verify the situation before proceeding if something feels suspicious.
Don’t Get Scammed, Get Help
Protecting yourself from tax scams starts with staying informed. If you’re unsure whether a letter, call, or message is legitimate, don’t guess—reach out to a trusted professional for guidance. At Robert V. Boeshaar, Attorney at Law, we can help you identify scams and help you get out of trouble with the IRS as an individual or business in Washington. Contact our Seattle office today for a free phone consultation to get started.
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