ATLANTA – With the kickoff of tax season on Jan. 23, taxpayers are being asked to be especially vigilant against scammers who will be working extra hard trying to take advantage of them during this period.
“It is important for taxpayers to educate themselves on the tactics criminals use when trying to separate them from their hard-earned money,” said James E. Dorsey, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “On the IRS.gov website, taxpayers can enter the word scams in the search bar for information on the types of scams criminals are using.”
One of the scams criminals are using involves calling taxpayers posing as IRS agents to steal taxpayer money and personal information.
“Taxpayers can avoid being victims of these scams by knowing the IRS will never ask for specific payments, threaten to bring in law enforcement or make any kinds of threats,” Dorsey said. “I encourage taxpayers to read their rights as taxpayers.”
The Taxpayer Bill of Rights, adopted in 2014, has a set of fundamental rights taxpayers should be aware of when dealing with the IRS. A list and video explaining the ten rights can be found at https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/get-help/taxpayer-rights/.
It is also important that taxpayers choose their tax preparers carefully.
“There are many honest tax preparers who help their clients submit their returns properly,” Dorsey said. …
