- Phishing Emails & Scam Calls
Scammers may send emails or make calls pretending to be the IRS to try to get your
personal information or infect your device with malware. These messages can sound
and look convincing. Even so, scammers can spoof real IRS phone numbers.
However, it is important to remember that the IRS does not call taxpayers to ask for
payment or request private details. - Bad Tax Tips on Social Media
There is often inaccurate and misleading tax information online. People can pose as
professionals but have harmful intentions. If a tip sounds too good, it is likely untrue. - Fake Help Setting Up IRS Online Accounts
Scammers can offer misleading assistance with setting up IRS accounts online.
Their goals could include gathering Social Security numbers, addresses, and other
personal information to commit identity theft. - Scam Charities
When national emergencies increase, more fake charities are created. Be aware of
these organizations by confirming their tax-exempt status on irs.gov. Real charities
do not call and pressure you for payment, donations, gift cards, or wire transfers. - Untrue Fuel Tax Credit Claims
Fraudsters will convince taxpayers to claim the fuel tax credit even if it does not
apply to them. The fuel tax credit only applies to off-highway or agricultural uses.
Because of this, taxpayers who do not qualify for the fuel tax credit but still claim it
could be charged penalties. - Misuse of the Sick and Family Leave Credit
This credit was only available for self-employed individuals in 2020 and 2021. Some
scammers will still persuade taxpayers that they can claim it after these years or on
wages earned as an employee. However, this is incorrect. - Fake Self-Employment Tax Credit
Individuals who are self-employed or gig workers can be convinced by taxpayers
that they are eligible for a tax credit of up to $32,000. These individuals should be
aware that this special tax credit does not exist. - Fraudulent Household Employment Claims
Taxpayers can be told by scammers that they can receive a refund if they claim false
domestic employees and submit claims for paid sick or family leave wages that were
never paid. - Inflated Withholding Schemes
Fraudsters can sway taxpayers to create fabricated W-2 or 1099-NEC/MISC Forms
with significant withholding amounts to acquire large refunds. - Misleading IRS Offers
Avoid anyone who claims that they can resolve IRS debt for little to nothing. Some
scammers will charge excessive fees and submit Offer-in-Compromise applications
when they know taxpayers are ineligible. The IRS offers taxpayers to check their
eligibility on the Offer in Compromise Pre-Qualifier. - “Ghost” Tax Preparers
Unethical preparers will refuse to sign tax returns, insist on cash payments, fabricate
income, deductions, and/or credits to increase refunds. A valid tax professional will
sign the tax return and include their PTIN. - Seniors at Higher Risk
Scammers contact people 65 and older – or nearing retirement – to gather personal
financial information. Once money is given, they will continue to ask for more.
Furthermore, scammers will convince you to withdraw funds from your retirement
account, which could result in serious tax consequences.
Let NSO be your Valued Tax Resource
Always consult a trusted tax professional if you are curious about any information
you have received. Be cautious of unusual behavior and/or poorly constructed
sentences. Call NSO and Company, Inc. at (317)-588-3131 to schedule a meeting
for tax and accounting advice.
