Something that was always supposed to be free finally is: The IRS’ free tax filing program, Direct File, will be available in 24 states next year. It was limited to simple tax situations, like W-2 wage earners or Social Security retirement incomes, but in 2025, it’ll cover complex filings, too. Here’s more info on who can use it.
Financial safety: Protect yourself from these emerging tax scams
It happens every year. We need to file our taxes, and scammers come out to steal from us. Here’s what you need to know right now.
I find the IRS taxing
Every year, the IRS releases a list of scams to watch out for. These are the biggest ones for this year:
- Fake comms: The IRS will never initiate contact by email, text, or social media about a bill or tax refund and will never ask you to send financial information over text or email.
- Fake charities: You donate to a charity you think is real, but your money and details go to a scammer. And your charitable tax deduction? It won’t count.
- Fake “helpers”: If a friendly stranger offers to help you set up an online account at IRS.gov or get your refund faster, they’re scamming you.
- Fake tax preparers: If a tax preparer is unwilling to sign your tax return, they are breaking the law. Check your preparer’s credentials here.
- Fake tax advice: If someone encourages you to file false tax credits, claim false wages, or otherwise lie on your return, it’s not a smart hack — that’s illegal. You won’t look good in jail.
Protect yourself
Get an Identity Protection PIN: An IP PIN is a six-digit number that replaces your SSN or ITIN on your tax return. Getting one is an extra step every year, but so worth it — no one can file a fraudulent return, even if they have your SSN. Victims of identity theft are automatically enrolled in this program, and everyone else can apply online.
Direct File if you can: Cut out the middleman and file your taxes directly with Uncle Sam. The IRS is piloting a new program in 12 states that will let you do just that — if you have a simple tax return. Use this link to see if you qualify.
File using vetted tax software
Don’t Google “cheapest way to file taxes” for the love of Pete. Use software that is tried, tested and approved by the IRS. The top dogs are TurboTax, H&R Block and TaxAct. Get the version that suits your needs, and don’t forget about your state return!
Quick hits
If you only retain one thing from this email, have it be this quick list:
- Reminder: The IRS won’t call, text, or email you to demand payment.
- Never click on a link in an email from the “IRS.”
- If you get a call from the IRS, hang up and call back using the number on the official website. Here is the number for individuals: 800-829-1040.
- Beware of anyone besides a registered tax preparer who claims to save you money when dealing with the IRS.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
12 tricks the IRS says every taxpayer needs to know about
Tax day is right around the corner. You have until Tuesday, April 18, 2023, to file. With the clock ticking, scammers hope to quickly find as many victims as possible. That’s why the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) urges you to remain vigilant against email and text scams to trick taxpayers about refunds or tax issues.
Warning: Don't fall for these tax scams making the rounds
The deadline for filing 2023 taxes falls on Tuesday, April 18. Is your paperwork in order?
Scammers are ramping up their efforts as we get closer to the big day. Here are some tax scams to watch out for.
Tax season: Scams to watch for so you don't get taken
Don’t be so quick to accept the help of strangers if they offer to make filing taxes less stressful. Tap or click here for more information on the tax prep software that was sending data back to Meta. Now, tax scams are making the rounds looking to rip you off.
These electric cars can score you a big tax break
As more people turn to renewable energy and save on the roaring price of gas, electric and fuel cell vehicles (FCV) are becoming increasingly popular. If you’ve been thinking about getting an electric car, now might be the best time. Ford’s new hybrid pickup starts at less than $20K.
If you got paid more than $600 through PayPal or Venmo this year, you might get a tax form
We’re here with a friendly reminder that the government can and will tax you on your PayPal or Venmo transactions if they are over a certain amount. We told you earlier this year about the American Rescue Plan. Tap or click here for more details.
Use Gmail, Hotmail or Outlook? Be on the lookout for a new tax scam
Your inbox is a prime target for scammers, who use email to find victims. Email phishing scams can consist of warnings that one of your accounts has been compromised or even tempt you with promises of a prize. In each case, the scammer is trying to get your personal or financial information, if not both.
Still haven't filed? Avoid these last-minute tax scams
Tax Day is less than a week away. That’s right. You have until Monday, April 18.
Did you file federal tax income for 2018? If not, you may have a refund waiting to be claimed. The deadline for that is the same as the one to file your 2021 taxes. Tap or click here for more information on claiming what could be hundreds of dollars.
Do you have unclaimed tax money sitting around? It expires soon
The deadline for filing federal tax returns for the 2021 tax year is fast approaching. You have until Monday, April 18 but that doesn’t mean you should wait until the last minute.
Cryptocurrency has created a new situation for taxpayers. If you have received, sold or exchanged any virtual currency in 2021, you must report it to the IRS or risk prosecution. Tap or click here for our detailed report on how to answer the cryptocurrency question on this year’s tax forms.
Tax season is here - What to expect and easy ways to scan your documents
The deadline for federal tax returns for the 2021 tax year is April 18, 2022. That’s no reason to wait until the last minute, however. Your experience filing taxes can change year by year as your financial situation changes and the IRS amends its rules.
Here's who can claim home office tax deductions (Sorry, remote workers)
The number of people who work remotely increased as the pandemic took hold, and while some have returned to the office, others are still working at home. People have started businesses from home or new careers as they were laid off or resigned from their jobs.
Unsure if you’re eligible for the child tax credit? Use this quick check to find out
Even though the COVID-19 pandemic is slowly fading away in large parts of the country, millions of Americans are still financially struggling. The government has implemented several strategies to help those in need through stimulus checks and economic recovery plans.
Stimulus check missing? Here's how to report it to the IRS
Stimulus payments have been a hot topic as of late. Not only are we finally getting a second round of stimulus checks, but there’s hope that more money could be on the horizon soon.
While many Americans have already received their $600 payments from the IRS, there are many people waiting for the money to land in their mailboxes. That can be a real issue for people who are out of work and need those funds right away. Looking for work? Tap or click here for a tool that will help you find the right career path.
Warning: New wave of tax scams hit ahead of July 15 deadline
In an ordinary year, your taxes would be filed for the year at this point in time. But we’re living in 2020, and thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, the IRS extended the filing deadline to July 15 – which is only a couple of short days away.
Didn't get your stimulus money? What to do if your COVID-19 check went to the wrong account
Have you received your stimulus check yet? If not, you’re not alone. According to the IRS, millions of Americans should have already received their payments via direct deposit, but many people are reporting unusual glitches and hiccups preventing them from claiming their money.
SCAM: Thieves have a smart new tactic to steal your coronavirus payment
Check your bank account and you may see a $1,200 payout, or even more, pending from the federal government.
The IRS has already begun sending coronavirus “economic impact payments,” and the money is sorely needed as millions of Americans are out of work or not making enough cash to pay their bills. Tap or click to see how you can get help with your internet bill if you can’t pay right now.
Coronavirus scams so bad the IRS, Secret Service and FTC are issuing warnings
People are handling the coronavirus outbreak in different ways. While most of us are trying to do the right thing by social distancing and helping flatten the curve, others are taking advantage of the pandemic to rip people off.
Where's your tax refund? Track its status with the IRS app
Whether we like it or not, tax season has arrived. We still have some time before April 15, but it’s definitely better to file now, rather than procrastinate and possibly miss the deadline.
It takes time to find all those receipts, files, confirmations and even your W-2s if you didn’t properly file them. But missing the deadline isn’t the only reason you should file sooner rather than later. Tap or click here for one important reason to file your taxes this week.
IRS warning: One thing you need to do to protect yourself this tax season
Sadly, dealing with online swindlers has become a way of life these days. That means you have to keep your guard up at all times or you’ll find yourself with the unenviable title of “victim.”
You might come across schemes that aren’t as dangerous as others, like-farming scams found on social media. Tap or click here to find out how a fake Costco coupon constantly shows up on Facebook.