IRS Reveals the Recent “Dirty Scams” Reported When Filing a Tax Return

As a taxpayer, you already struggle each month with the large amount of taxes being taken out of your paycheck. Therefore, having to take on the burden of being wrongfully accused of tax fraud on behalf of another’s attempt to steal your identity or falsely filing your tax return is not something you want to have to deal with this tax season. And with the Internal Revenue System (IRS) fighting back against such crimes, tax attorneys from Austin, Texas bring to you five of the twelve tax scams provided by the IRS that can hopefully keep you from becoming a victim of any such occurrence. 

tax attorney in Austin, TexasAs the 2015 year wrapped up, the IRS has highlighted its “Dirty Dozen” tax scams to keep an eye out for as you prepare to file your 2015 taxes. Some of the obvious scams, which many fall victim to are listed below:

  • Phone Scams: Many taxpayers have received calls from those impersonating an IRS agent stating they are at risk of being fined or placed in prison should they fail to pay a certain amount to the “IRS.” They then wire money to an unknown person and are highly likely of never recovering those funds.
  • Phishing: While the IRS will never send a random email pertaining to a bill or a refund, many are unaware of this and upon the receipt of these scam emails, people provide personal information which is then used to to conduct identity theft.
  • Return Preparer Fraud: Choosing a legitimate, honest tax preparer is extremely important seeing that you are may be up for a refund from the IRS. Sometimes though, there are fraudulent preparers out there who will use your personal information to their advantage.
  • Inflated Refund Claims: Tax fraud lawyers in Austin, Texas remind you to also be on the lookout for any preparer who can promise you a larger refund than you are truly entitled to receive. Not only could you lose your refund you were entitled to, but also risk having your personal information used to another’s advantage.
  • Falsely Padding Deductions on Returns: When asked to declare deductions on your return, be sure the expenses indicated are factual monetary contributions or expenses for that year. Sometimes individuals inflate their deductions in hopes of having to pay less in or to receive a larger refund. Austin, Texas tax fraud attorneys have continually represented clients regarding applying false deductions, and urge those to steer clear of making this mistake.

If you have fallen victim to a tax scam or are accused of tax fraud for “padding” your return with deductions, speak with a reputable Texas tax legal representative today who can guide you in the right direction and represent you in the event you need legal support when dealing with the IRS.