It’s tax season and we want you to avoid being a victim of tax fraud. As we record this episode, we are a week away from tax day. However the information in this episode is good year round. So if you hear it in a best of episode, it still applies. Since 2018, more than 75,000 victims have lost $28 million to scammers impersonating the IRS over the phone, email, texts and more. That's what the FTC says (the Federal Trade Commission) which enforces consumer protection laws, including those against fraud. The true number is certainly higher because of victims who don't make reports.

What the IRS won’t do

1)The IRS won’t call you. 2)The IRS won’t text you. 3) The IRS won’t email you. 4)The IRS won’t call and threaten that the police are going to arrest you. 5) The IRS won’t call and ask for an immediate payment on a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. 6) The IRS won’t threaten to suspend your license. The IRS can’t suspend your license. 7) The IRS won’t say your account is on hold. 8)The IRS won’t text with a message “Unusual Activity Report” with a link to click. 9) The IRS won’t threaten deportation. Why? The IRS cannot revoke immigration status. 10)The IRS won’t threaten to suspend your Social Security Number. They can’t do that. 11)The IRS won’t email you and say “We recalculated your tax return and you need to click this link to claim the higher refund.” Why? The IRS doesn’t email. 12)The IRS will not email you, text you or call you saying 'This is the Bureau of Tax Enforcement, and we're putting a lien or levy on your assets'. Why? The IRS doesn’t email , text or in general call.There is no Bureau of Tax Enforcement. 13) The IRS won’t email or text you 'Click here to see some details about your tax refund'. Why? The IRS doesn’t email or text. These emails or texts are intended to trick the reader into clicking on links that lead to a fake IRS-like website and expose the user to malware.

The IRS does not use email, text messages or social media to discuss tax debts or refunds with taxpayers. How do I know this? I’m quoting the IRS website.

What you should know about these calls 1)Caller ID can be faked. Just because your Caller ID says IRS, it doesn’t mean it’s the IRS. 2)Ask anyone claiming to be the IRS for their name, badge number and callback number. 3)You can verify if someone is real by calling the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 800-366-4484. Link to report a scam here. .https://www.tigta.gov/reportcrime-misconduct

How the IRS will contact you if they need to contact you

1)They will send a letter. 2)They will send another letter. 3) If several letters go unanswered, they might call or they could come to your house.4) BUT THE IRS WILL ONLY COME TO YOUR HOUSE AFTER THEY HAVE CALLED FIRST TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT AND THEY WILL ONLY CALL AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BY MAIL.

Let’s say you owe unpaid taxes

1)You can appeal if you think the IRS is wrong. 2)If you do owe money, you can work out a payment plan. IRS at 800-829-1040.

IRS Dirty Dozen List

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-wraps-up-2023-dirty-dozen-list-reminds-taxpayers-and-tax-pros-to-be-wary-of-scams-and-schemes-even-after-tax-season

Great article at Nerd Wallet https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/taxes/avoid-irs-scams#:~:text=IRS%20scams%20involve%20criminals%20impersonating,you%20don't%20actually%20owe.

Episode 508 of Dads Daughters and Dollars (Don't Be Scared of the IRS, My Story)

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-508-dont-be-scared-of-the-irs-my-story/id1523622122?i=1000576371700