It may be the season of giving, but unfortunately, with that often comes the rise of scams. This includes tax-related scams and fraud. But what should you do to avoid these? Here are a few tips to avoid being scammed. tax-related scams

Did you know that the IRS will never contact you for financial or personal information through email, text or phone calls? However, scammers often will. Protect yourself and be aware of the latest tax scams.

  • Be wary of anyone asking you to wire them money, send money by courier or purchase gift cards in exchange for tax help or money. This is a scam.
  • Don’t give anyone you don’t know access to your bank account, tax information, or W-2.
  • College students! Did you know that the IRS has advised you to be on the lookout for tax scams? A scam email impersonating the IRS is circulating and targeting educational email addresses.
  • Being pressured on the phone or via email to “act now” to claim a deal? It’s likely too good to be true, especially if it’s from someone you don’t know.
  • Find a reliable tax preparer. Looking for someone to trust with your taxes this coming year? Do you make under $60,000 a year? Find an IRS-certified preparer in your community. Learn more about the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and locate a free volunteer tax preparer near you.
  • Be aware that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Report scammers to the Franchise Tax Board or IRS

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