Phone Scams Pose Serious Threat

The Internal Revenue Service reminded taxpayers to be careful with continuing aggressive phone scams as criminals pose as IRS agents in hopes of stealing money. These continuing phone calls remain a major threat to taxpayers and remain on the annual IRS “Dirty Dozen” list of tax scams for the 2018 filing season. During filing season, […]

IRS Alerts Taxpayers about Refund Scam

The IRS warns taxpayers of a new twist on an old scam. Criminals are depositing fraudulent tax refunds into individuals’ actual bank accounts, then attempting to reclaim the refund from the taxpayers. Here are the basic steps criminals follow to carry out this scam. The thief: Hacks tax preparers’ computers to steal taxpayer data. Uses […]

IRS Can Help Taxpayers Get Form W-2

Most taxpayers got their Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, by the end of January. Taxpayers need their W-2s to file an accurate tax returns, as the form shows an employee’s income and taxes withheld for the year. Taxpayers who haven’t received their W-2 by the end of February should: • Contact their Employer. Taxpayers should ask […]

Pay No More than the Correct Amount of Tax

The Right to Pay No More than the Correct Amount of Tax – Taxpayer Bill of Rights #3   Taxpayers have the right to pay no more than the correct amount of tax they owe. This is one of ten basic rights known collectively as the Taxpayer Bill of Rights. This tip is the third in […]

Steps Victims Can Take to Minimize Effect of Data Theft

Every day, the theft of personal and financial information puts people at risk of identity theft. Generally, thieves try to use the stolen data as quickly as possible to: Sell the information to other criminals. Withdraw money from a bank account. Make credit card purchases. File a fraudulent tax return for a refund using victims’ […]

The Right to Quality Service

All taxpayers have basic rights when filing taxes and dealing with the IRS. This tip is one in a series that outlines the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, which groups the multiple existing rights in the nation’s tax law into 10 categories. This makes it easier for taxpayers to find, understand and take advantage of their rights. […]

Get to Know the Earned Income Tax Credit and How It Benefits

The earned income tax credit is a benefit for working people with low and moderate incomes. To qualify, taxpayers must meet certain requirements and file a tax return, even if they don’t owe any tax or aren’t required to file. Here are some things taxpayers should know about the EITC: It’s Important to Review Eligibility […]

Taxpayers Must Validate Identity When Calling the IRS

The Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers and tax professionals that they will be asked to verify their identities if they call the IRS. This is part of the agency’s efforts to keep taxpayer data secure from identity thieves. Days before and after Presidents Day mark the peak period for taxpayer phone calls to the […]

Beware of Fake Calls to Return Money to a Collection Agency

Scam Alert: IRS Urges Taxpayers to Watch Out for Erroneous Refunds; Beware of Fake Calls to Return Money to a Collection Agency    The Internal Revenue Service today warned taxpayers of a quickly growing scam involving erroneous tax refunds being deposited into their bank accounts. The IRS also offered a step-by-step explanation for how to […]

Five Things to Remember About Exemptions and Dependents for 2017

Most taxpayers can claim one personal exemption for themselves and, if married, one for their spouse. This helps reduce their taxable income on their 2017 tax return. They may also be able to claim an exemption for each of their dependents. Each exemption normally allows them to deduct $4,050 on their 2017 tax return. While […]