Skip to main content

  •  Toll Free: 800-222-2091
  •  Fax: 800-249-9403
  • Client Login
  • Contact Us
  • NEWSLETTER SIGN UP
  •  
  •  
  •  

  • Home
  • How We Help 
    • Financial Counseling
    • Investment Management
    • Retirement Planning
    • Risk Management
    • Worksite Education for Employees
    • State Employees and Healthcare Professionals
  • How We Work 
    • Our Approach
    • Our Process
  • Our Story 
    • White Plains Branch
    • Long Island Branch
    • Syracuse Branch
    • Florida Branch
    • Events
    • FAQs
  • Blog
  • Articles 
    • Madison in the News
  • Videos

Everyone has a story.

What's Yours?

    You are here

  1. Home
  2. Blogs
  3. IRS Issues Annual List of Tax Scams

Book a Meeting

IRS Issues Annual List of Tax Scams

Submitted by Madison Planning Group on April 11th, 2019

The IRS recently issued its annual list of tax scams. The list highlights various scams that taxpayers may encounter, many of which occur during tax filing season. Here are some of the scams that are highlighted on the list.

Phishing

Phishing scams usually involve unsolicited emails or fake websites that pose as legitimate IRS sites to convince you to provide personal or financial information. Once scam artists obtain this information, they use it to commit identity or financial theft. The IRS will never initiate contact with you by email to request personal or financial information. This includes any type of electronic communication, such as text messages and social media.

Phone scams

Phone scams typically involve a phone call from someone claiming you owe money to the IRS or that you're entitled to a large refund. The calls may show up as coming from the IRS on your Caller ID, be accompanied by fake emails that appear to be from the IRS, or involve follow-up calls from individuals saying they are from law enforcement. Sometimes these callers may even threaten you with arrest, license revocation, or deportation.

Identity theft

Tax-related identity theft occurs when someone uses your Social Security number to claim a fraudulent tax refund. You may not even realize you've been the victim of identity theft until you file your tax return and discover that a return has already been filed using your Social Security number. Or the IRS may send you a letter indicating it has identified a suspicious return using your Social Security number.

Return preparer fraud

Sometimes scam artists pose as legitimate tax preparers and try to take advantage of unsuspecting taxpayers by committing refund fraud or identity theft. It's important to choose a tax preparer carefully since you are legally responsible for what's on your return, even if it's prepared by someone else.

Inflated refund claims

Taxpayers should be wary of anyone promising an unreasonably large or inflated refund. These scam artists may ask you to sign a blank return and promise a big refund without looking at your tax records or charge fees based on a percentage of the refund.

Fake charities

Groups sometimes pose as charitable organizations in order to solicit donations from unsuspecting donors. Be wary of charities with names that are similar to more familiar or nationally-known organizations. Before donating to a charity, make sure that it is legitimate. The IRS website has tools to assist you in checking out the status of a charitable organization.

Tags:
  • Cyber Security
  • CyberCrime
  • IRS
  • Tax Season
  • Taxes

Tell a Friend

4 New King Street, Suite 120
West Harrison, NY, 10604

  • Disclosures and Privacy
  • Form ADV
  •  Toll Free: 800-222-2091
  •  Fax: 800-249-9403
  •  bschwartz@madisonplanning.com
  •  
  •  
  •  
Securities and advisory services through Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Additional advisory services offered through Madison Advisory Services, Inc. Insurance services offered through Madison Planning Group. Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. is not affiliated with either entity. In this regard, this communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in the states of AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, IL, KS, LA, MA, MD, MN, NC, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, TX, VA, VT, WA, WI. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside the specific states referenced.
*Third party awards, rankings, and recognitions are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a client or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance or results. These ratings should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor by any client not are they representative of any one client’s evaluation.

© 2021 Madison Planning Group. All rights reserved.

Website Design For Financial Services Professionals