Tax Tip Tuesday: Spread the News
Welcome to the 200th edition of Tax Tip Tuesday!
This week we are going to address tax scams from a different angle based on a couple comments from our clients.
We've been adamant about keeping you up-to-date on the latest tax scams, so many of you are aware of various signs that something is a scam. But your family members, who don't read this blog, might not be. Please talk to your grandparents, parents, and kids about the following signs of a scam.
Scammers are very good at targeting the elderly and kids. Unfortunately, both groups want to be independent and don’t always ask for help when a scam happens. Please share the following with them.
Tell Tale Signs of a Scam:
The IRS (and its authorized private collection agencies) will never:
Call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. The IRS does not use these methods for tax payments. Generally, the IRS will first mail a bill to any taxpayer who owes taxes. All tax payments should only be made payable to the U.S. Treasury and checks should never be made payable to third parties.
Threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have the taxpayer arrested for not paying.
Demand that taxes be paid without giving the taxpayer the opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed.
Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.
If you have any questions about being contacted by the IRS, or someone claiming to be from the IRS, please give us a call at 515-225-3141 or email cbrand@ryungivens.com.
We will be taking a one-week break and will be back with a new edition of Tax Tip Tuesday on July 25th.
Disclaimer: The items included in the Tax Tip Tuesday Video Blog are informational only and are not meant as tax advice. Consult with your tax advisor to determine how any item applies to your situation. IRS Circular 230 disclosure: To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the IRS, we inform you that any U.S. federal tax advise contained in this communication (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein
