The Internal Revenue Service or IRS keeps sending warnings to taxpayers due to the increase in scams during the tax season in 2023. Unfortunately, despite the fact that they make a big effort to inform citizens of this threat, some still take the bait. This is a very unpleasant situation for those who fall for it. That is why it is so important to spread this information.
The first thing you should learn is the way the Internal Revenue Service contacts taxpayers when it is necessary to do so. More often than not, the IRS will just send you a notice or letter by mail. It is true that this is not always the case for all taxpayers.
Sometimes the IRS will call you or even visit you. It could be the case that the IRS sends you a revenue agent or officer to your business or house. Mainly because of audits or unpaid taxes.
The IRS does not send text messages to taxpayers for bills or refunds
As the IRS does not send text messages to taxpayers to deal with bills or tax refunds, it is more than likely that it is a scam if you get one. Do not click on any links or provide any personal and confidential information to them.
The IRS will not send you any links via text messages to verify anything. They may send you a text message regarding IRS Secure Access.
It is essential that when you receive a text message from the IRS that you have not requested, you report it. This is the e-mail phishing@irs.gov address you could do so to attach a screenshot. Apart from the evidence you should also inform the IRS of the time, date, time zone, and phone number. On March 9 the IRS celebrated the national Slam the Scam Day.
It’s National #SlamTheScam Day! Get familiar with the signs of an #IRS impersonating scam. Criminals often pose as #IRS agents and try to steal your money and information. Don’t engage with these criminals and report them instead: https://t.co/SUyzJgBvOf #TaxSecurity #NCPW2023 pic.twitter.com/KHngq7Umb2
— IRStaxsecurity (@IRStaxsecurity) March 9, 2023
What about calls from the Internal Revenue Service?
In general, taxpayers will receive several letters from the IRS and then they might call them. There are some occasions when they will call you first though.
For instance, when you have not made the deposit of employment tax, have an overdue tax bill, unfiled or a delinquent tax return. No pre-recorded messages can be from the IRS.
Scammers often threaten taxpayers and they may want you to do something urgently. In this way, they can deceive you because you have no time to think. Appealing is always possible so do not make any payments on the spur of the moment. Never reveal your credit card number on the phone. Tax payments ought to be for the U.S. treasury only. Hanging up when there is a suspicious call is always best. Then report it to the IRS.