Sigma Tax Pro and IRS Warn Taxpayers that Scammers are Still Active, Even Though Tax Season May be Over
Delray Beach, FL (PRWEB) August 12, 2016 -- Taxpayers are warned to remain vigilant against scammers actively operating year round in attempts to steal personal information. The most recent ongoing scam reported by the IRS is a bogus “Federal Student Tax,” in which students are contacted by phone and told to wire money directly to a scammer, with the scammer threatening to report the student to the police if they do not comply. Currently the fraudsters are targeting naive students, however all groups are potential targets.
Some examples of tactics to be aware of include: demanding payment on an iTunes gift card for taxes owed , attempting to “verify” tax return information on the phone, and trying to get W-2 information from payroll companies. Ian Gardner, of Sigma Tax Pro says, “Every year these scammers get smarter, and so should you. Keep yourself updated by checking the IRS website list of scams, and report those you think are attempting to commit a crime.” Keep in mind, the IRS will never call and demand payment over the phone. In most legitimate situations, taxpayers are able to question and appeal the amount owed. When in doubt, taxpayers should hang up and contact the IRS directly.
If a taxpayer or tax preparer is contacted by someone claiming to be from the IRS and they have any trepidation, hang up immediately and contact the TIGTA at 800-366-4484.It is important that they do not provide or verify any personal information. Taxpayers are also encouraged to contact the IRS directly at 800-829-1040 if they believe any taxes are owed. It is much better to be safe than sorry.
Sigma Tax Pro provides a full range of essential services for tax pros. This includes industry leading software solutions as well as technical support, tax preparation support and client retention strategies. Sigma Tax Pro specializes in helping tax preparation firms expand their businesses, open new offices and increase their client base.
Ian Gardner, Sigma Tax Pro, https://www.sigmataxpro.com/, +1 561-450-6422, [email protected]
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