Finance Tax Time

Obviously, you use the Internet or you wouldn’t be reading this article. Since you use the web, you know about phishing scams or should. Some scams are now using fake IRS identification.

IRS Wants to Know About Fake Emails Using IRS Name

The IRS has sent out numerous press releases and warning about phishing scams involving tax and IRS logos and fake sites. Now the IRS wants to have a go at hunting down the scam artists. Obviously, it can only do this if it sees the fake emails being sent out. If you receive one of these email messages, the IRS is asking that you forward it to phishing@irs.gov.

The IRS does not send unsolicited emails to taxpayers. Indeed, the IRS doesn’t even know your email address, so how could it? When you receive email messages from something @irs.gov, it is a scam trying to fleece your private information in one form or another. Do not respond to these email messages. Instead, forward them to the IRS at the email address provided above.

An example of a fishing email using the IRS identity might read something like:

[IRS logo or fake link to IRS web site in header]

Pursuant to our automatic tax return review process, we have determined you are due a tax refund of $xxx.xx. Please submit a request for the issuance of your tax refund by clicking HERE.

Once you click through to the page, you are asked to provide a variety of personal information such as social security number and bank account number. The purported reason is to verify your identity as well as issue the refund to your bank account. This is all completely fake. The scam artists are just trying to get your information so they can open accounts under your name or swipe money from your bank account.

Importantly, you must understand that domain names are really just representations of numbers. The fact you see “irs.something” does not mean it is from the IRS. If you think the IRS might really be trying to contact you, get on the phone and call them. Do not use any phone number in the phishing email.

Richard A. Chapo is with BusinessTaxRecovery.com - providing information on taxes. Visit us to read more articles about tax deductions and our new tax help page.

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The IRS has issued a warning regarding a phishing email scam. The scam claims you are due a tax refund, but is really designed to obtain your personal information.

Tax Refund Email Scam

Phishing scams are designed to swindle you into providing private information that can be used to your detriment. This information typically includes things like credit card numbers, social security numbers, bank accounts and so on. This information is then used to open financial accounts in your name, a process otherwise known as identity theft. Frankly, it is a nightmare you do not want to be a part of.

The IRS is warning people about a tax refund email scam, which works like this. You receive an email purportedly from the IRS indicating you are due a tax refund. You are directed to click a link to visit an “IRS” page. On the page, you are asked to provide your social security number, etc., so your account can be accessed. This email is fraudulent and designed solely for identity theft.

IRS Does Not Use Email

The IRS does not use email to contact taxpayers. It certainly doesn’t use it tell you about tax refunds. The IRS only communicates with taxpayers through the mail or by telephone. Do not fall for this scam!

Are You Owed A Refund?

But what if you really are owed a tax refund? Well, the IRS is certainly not going to contact you by email to tell you. Think about it. The IRS doesn’t HAVE your email address, so how would it send you a message?

If you think you may be owed a tax refund, the best option is to pick up the phone and contact the IRS. You can reach the agency by calling 1-800-829-1040.

Don’t get suckered.

Richard A. Chapo is with http://www.businesstaxrecovery.com - recovery of business taxes, small business tax relief and help through tax refund and reduction services. Visit http://www.businesstaxrecovery.com/articles to read more business tax articles.

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Newlyweds and the recently divorced should make sure that names on their tax returns match those registered with the Social Security Administration (SSA). A mismatch between a name on the tax return and a Social Security number (SSN) could unexpectedly increase a tax bill or reduce the size of any refund.

For newlyweds, the tax scenario can begin when the bride says “I do” and takes her husband’s surname, but doesn’t tell the SSA about the name change. If the couple files a joint tax return with her new name, the IRS computers will not be able to match the new name with the SSN. This could result in tax assessments or even an audit since the IRS may be under the impression that you are simply evading taxes.

Similarly, after a divorce, a woman who had taken her husband’s name and had made that change known to the SSA should contact the SSA if she reassumes a previous name. Failure to take this action can lead to audits. Can you imagine going through an audit with your former spouse?

It’s easy to inform the SSA of a name change by filing Form SS-5 at a local SSA office. It usually takes two weeks to have the change verified. The form is available on the agency’s Web site, www.ssa.gov, by calling toll free 1-800-772-1213 and at local offices. The SSA Web site provides the addresses of local offices.

Richard A. Chapo is with http://www.businesstaxrecovery.com - recovery of business taxes through tax help and tax relief. Visit http://www.businesstaxrecovery.com/articles to read more business tax articles.

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