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Every year, the IRS releases its so-called “Dirty Dozen”—a list of scams that target taxpayers. This year, perhaps as no surprise, the list emphasized schemes related to coronavirus tax relief, including Economic Impact Payments. As the pandemic drags on, taxpayers and tax professionals would do well to familiarize themselves with the IRS’s list of the latest scams.
This year’s list includes—drum roll please—the following:
Phishing.
Phishing scams often involve fake emails claiming to be IRS personnel. This year, many phishing scam emails are using keywords like “coronavirus,” “COVID-19,” and “Stimulus.” The IRS warns taxpayers that it will never initiate contact with taxpayers via email about a tax bill, refund, or Economic Impact Payment.
Fake Charities.
The IRS warns that fake charity scams tend to rise during times of need. The prevalence of charity scams will likely rise for the foreseeable future due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Taxpayers should be particularly skeptical of charities with names that are similar to or sound like nationally known organizations. Taxpayers can check charity names on the IRS’s website here when in doubt.
Threatening Impersonator Phone Calls.
One common IRS impersonation scam involves phone calls impersonating IRS agents, threatening potential lawsuits, or threatening arrest. Taxpayers should be aware that the IRS will never…
