IRS Releases the “Dirty Dozen” Tax Scams for 2014
Los Angeles, California (PRWEB) February 19, 2014 -- The Internal Revenue Service on February 19, 2014 issued its annual “Dirty Dozen” list of tax scams (IR-2014-16), reminding taxpayers to use caution during tax season to protect themselves against a wide range of schemes ranging from identity theft to return preparer fraud.
The Dirty Dozen listing, explained DTR’s senior enrolled agent Maurice Rosaler is compiled by the IRS each year and lists a variety of common scams taxpayers can encounter at any point during the year, but many of these schemes peak during filing season as people prepare their tax returns.
“Tax season has just begun,” noted Rosaler who has 26 years tax resolution experience including working for the IRS as a revenue officer and manager, “and already return filings are up 2.5% from 2012 (IR-2014-15). That means more people are filing early and everyone should be aware of what to watch for in the way of tax scams and in particular tax preparation scams.”
The Internal Revenue Service’s 2014 Dirty Dozen list (IR-2014-16) includes false promises of “free money” and inflated refunds; return preparer fraud; false income, expenses or exemptions; frivolous arguments; and falsely claiming zero wages or using false Forms 1099.
“All of those scams,” pointed out the former IRS revenue officer and group manager, “are tied into false or illegal tax preparers. These scams for the most part are complex and your average taxpayer is not going to know about the legality of them. It is the illegal tax preparers, mostly all unlicensed and non-certified, who promote the scams to unsuspecting taxpayers who have no idea their tax return is fraudulent.
“I’ve seen this now for over twenty-six years,” Rosaler continued, “and scam artists routinely pose as tax preparers during tax time, luring victims in by promising large tax refunds or refunds that people never dreamed they were due in the first place.”
The IRS in its February 19, 2014 (IR-2014-16) statement lists that 60 percent of taxpayers will use tax professionals this year to prepare their tax returns. Most return preparers provide honest service to their clients. But, some unscrupulous preparers prey on unsuspecting taxpayers, and the result can be refund fraud or identity theft.
Rosaler stated it is important to choose carefully when hiring an individual or firm to prepare your return. Remember, he warned, taxpayers are legally responsible for what’s on their return even if it is prepared by someone else. Taxpayers should use only preparers who sign the returns they prepare and enter their IRS Preparer Tax Identification Numbers (PTINs).
“That’s what we do at DTR.” Rosaler said, “Our Tax Preparation Manager is a registered tax preparer with a background in business accounting, payroll, and tax. Our enrolled agents and tax attorneys are all licensed to practice before the IRS and the states.”
“The best way” added DTR’s senior enrolled agent, “any taxpayer dealing with the IRS whether it’s with tax preparation or IRS levies or audits or liens or seizures or Offers in Compromise is to get professional help by looking for and retaining a trusted tax relief firm with attorneys and enrolled agents who specialize in the field of tax resolution and tax preparation. The best way is to look for an authentic tax relief firm like DTR which is listed with the BBB with an A rating and zero complaints.”
“Also,” Rosaler advised, “if in the past you think you’ve been taken in by an illegal tax preparer and their scams we can help you there as well. At DTR we can file corrected amended returns; negotiate a payment plan or propose a Offer in Compromise to resolve any balance due as well as advocate for abatement of some very serious and large penalties.”
The remainder of the IRS Dirty Dozen (IR-2014-16) is Identity theft; telephone scams; hiding income offshore; phising; impersonation of charitable organizations; abusive tax shelters; and misuse of trusts.
“Don’t fall prey” Rosaler concluded “to people who encourage you to claim deductions or credits to which you are not entitled or willingly allow others to use your information to file false returns. If you are a party to such schemes, you could be liable for financial penalties or even face criminal prosecution. Get professional help from a reputable firm like DTR.”
Direct Tax Relief has extensive experience in tax preparation and tax resolution and has represented numerous clients since 2007 providing professional legal tax preparation and advice to resolve tax matters including Offers in Compromise, levy and garnishment release, appeal penalties and establishing minimal payment plans to the government.
If you have unfiled tax returns or owe the IRS or state over $10,000 in back taxes, call Direct Tax Relief now at (877) 505-4829 for a free tax consultation or visit their website at directtaxrelief.com for more details. Their tax experts will take over all communications with the IRS and handle your case from beginning to end.
Pet Natividad, Direct Tax Relief, http://directtaxrelief.com, +1 (877) 505-4829, [email protected]
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