There’s no doubt about it, the most annoying scams are people claiming to be the IRS. Whether it’s by email, in person, or over the phone, many taxpayers encounter these scammers daily.
But how do you know it’s not the actual IRS contacting you?
The answer is simple, they begins all of their communication through the mail. Yes, they will call or come to your home or business if you are overdue on your taxes. But they will never show up without sending notices in the mail prior to arriving.
Let’s look at what the IRS will NOT do:
- Demand specific payment methods. These include prepaid debt card, gift card or wire transfer.
- Ask for your credit card or debit card number over the phone.
- Demand that you pay without giving you the opportunity to ask questions.
- Threaten to get local law enforcement or immigration offices involved.
Now, let’s look at what the IRS will do:
- Start any form of communication through mail.
- Provide you with two forms of official credentials and an HSPD-12 card should they come to discuss your past due taxes.
More and more scams are happening every day. Protect your identity and your family by knowing who the IRS is and who is just trying to scam you. Should you receive a call from a scammer – report it! Use the FTC Complaint Assistance on FTC.gov and be sure to add IRS Telephone Scam in the notes section.
A Mazzo Accounting provides a variety of tax and accounting services to individuals and businesses in the Wyomissing, Reading, West Reading, Sinking Spring and Kenhorst areas, as well as towns and villages around the Greater Reading area. Our services for small to mid-size businesses include taxes, payroll services, accounting services, and bookkeeping services. We also provide a variety of services for individuals and they include tax return preparation as well as some accounting assistance.