The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued a warning this
week to taxpayers to beware of tax return refund scams. In particular,
senior citizens are being targeted and convinced or persuaded to file a
tax return claiming a refund based on the American Opportunity Tax
Credit.
The American Opportunity Tax Credit is a credit
that some taxpayers may qualify for based on education achievements
during the 2011 tax year.
Related scams come in a
variety of disguises this time of year. People who may have very little
or no income are not required to file a tax return. Thieves try to
convince these taxpayers to file a tax return to get a refund based on
nonexistent stimulus payments or the American Opportunity Tax Credit or
some other credit. Make no mistake - this is not legal.
You can see a list of the most common tax refund scams on the IRS website under Tax Scams.
Here are some reminders to help you protect yourself from being scammed:
1. The IRS does not initiate communication with you the taxpayer through email. If you receive an email that claims to be from the IRS, you can forward that email to the IRS email address: phishing@irs.gov as they
state on the IRS website www.irs.gov .
2. Verify that you qualify for a tax refund or rebate by asking your own qualified preparer - not someone who has contacted you via phone or email or in person.
3. Do not give your social security number
to anyone who solicited you to call their 1-800 or other toll free
number for any reason. This may not only be someone trying to create
tax fraud, but possibly identity theft that can affect your other
accounts. Send your own email to phishing@irs.gov to report any websites, 1-800 numbers or others who ask for your social security number.
4. Do not give out your social security number or any financial account information to someone on the phone who claims to be a family member --- even if they sound like them on the phone!!
Let your family member come by the house to get the information they
need. Voices can be imitated even if they have a speech impediment of
some kind.
5. Contact the IRS for assistance at the IRS website: www.irs.gov by phone, internet, or local office.
Low income taxpayers and seniors are likely to qualify for free tax filing assistance.
This
list could go on and on. But please take care of yourself and only
work with someone who is qualified to assist you in filing a proper tax
return. You don't need to fear people contacting you - just always
verify the contact with your local IRS office or even by calling the
local Senior Center or local police station.
