This Monday is Tax Day. Be cautious — if you’re rushing to file, bad actors may target you.
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.
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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.
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Plus, you won’t believe which jobs are on the brink of extinction due to AI – teachers, brace yourselves! Get the latest scoop on the government’s TikTok ban, exploding e-bikes, and the top tax scams spreading like wildfire. Plus, I’ll spill the beans on the ultimate day to send your email newsletter for maximum impact!
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.
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.
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.
One important reason to file your taxes this week
The IRS officially kicked off this year’s tax season on Jan. 27. You have until Wednesday, April 15 to file your taxes unless you request an extension.
Even though tax season just began, scammers are already out in full force. Tap or click here to see some of the fast-spreading tax scams.