"Scam Season" Is Here Again

"Scam Season" Is Here Again

Now that tax season has officially opened (the IRS began accepting tax returns on January 20), it is also time to go on high alert for phone and internet scams aimed at separating you from your tax refund. The IRS says that over the past 15 months, some 3,000 victims have fallen prey to phone scams, losing over $14 million.

Please keep in mind that the IRS almost always makes first contact with a taxpayer via mail. So, if you get a phone call from someone claiming to represent the IRS without first receiving a letter, there is a very good chance you are talking to a scam artist.

In addition, the IRS does not use email, text messages or any social media to discuss personal tax issues involving bills or refunds. If you receive an inquiry through these channels, no matter how "official" it may seem, it is most likely a scam.

The IRS also reminds us that they never engage in any of the following practices:

The IRS will not call to demand immediate payment, nor will it call about taxes owed prior to having mailed a bill
It will not demand that the taxes be paid without giving the taxpayer an opportunity to question or appeal the amount it states that you owe
It will not require a taxpayer to use a specific payment method for taxes, such as a pre-paid debit card
It will never ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone
It will not threaten to bring in local police or other law enforcement officials to have taxpayers arrested for not making payments

If you feel you may have fallen victim to a tax scam, or if you have been contacted by someone claiming to represent the IRS, you should report the incident. Go to www.irs.gov and type "scam" into the search box for details on how to report.

As always, if you have any tax questions, please contact Gray, Gray & Gray's Tax Department.

We go beyond the numbers by delivering insight, guidance and success to our clients.

Gray, Gray & Gray, LLP
781.407.0300

www.gggcpas.com

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