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Find out how to report IRS scams, and learn how to identify and protect yourself from tax scams. IRS Imposter ScamsIRS imposter scams occur when someone contacts you pretending to work for the IRS. The imposter may contact you by phone, email, postal mail, or even a text message. There are two common types of scams:
How to Report IRS Imposter ScamsContact the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) if you think that an IRS imposter has contacted you. Report IRS imposter scams online or by calling TIGTA at 1-800-366-4484. Forward email messages that claim to be from the IRS to . How to Avoid IRS Imposter ScamsThere are things you can do to protect yourself from an IRS imposter scam. Do:
Don’t:
Learn About Tax ID Theft and How To Avoid ItTax ID theft occurs when someone uses your Social Security number to file taxes and claim a tax refund. You may not know that your tax ID has been stolen until you:
Find out what steps you can take after receiving a 5071C letter and how you can avoid or report tax ID scams. What is a 501C letter?The 5071C letter is a legitimate letter from the IRS that provides instructions to verify that you submitted the tax return in question. If you receive a 5071C letter, verify your identity with the IRS. There are two ways to verify your identity with the IRS:
You will be asked a series of questions to verify your identity. You will also be asked to confirm whether or not you filed the federal tax return in question. You will need the following documents to verify your identity when you access the website or call:
How to report tax ID theftIt’s important to take action if you receive a 5071C letter from the IRS. You can also take these steps if you become the victim of a tax ID theft or if you receive a letter from the IRS about a problem.
If you’ve already contacted the IRS, but still need more tax ID theft assistance, you can call 1-800-908-4490. You should also take these steps to report the scam and protect your bank accounts:
Prevent tax ID theft with an identification protection IDIdentification Protection PINs (IP PIN) are six-digit numbers issued to taxpayers by the IRS to prevent tax ID theft. If you’ve experienced tax ID theft in the past, the IRS will automatically issue you an IP PIN. You can also voluntarily request one. After the IRS issues your IP PIN, you will use it to file your return. This will help the IRS confirm your identity so no one can file a return using your personal information to fraudulently collect a refund. Learn more about the IP PIN and how you can apply. Tips to protect yourself from tax ID theftFollow these steps to prevent tax identity theft. Do:File your income taxes early in the season, before a thief can file taxes in your name. Also, keep an eye out for any IRS letter or notice that states:
Don’t:Don’t reply to or click on any links in suspicious emails, texts, and social media messages. Make sure to report anything suspicious to the IRS. Tax Transcript Email ScamScammers claiming to be from “IRS Online” are sending fraudulent email messages about tax transcripts. A transcript is a summary of your tax return. You may need a tax transcript to apply for a loan or for government assistance. To avoid tax transcript scams, learn the real way to get a tax transcript from the IRS. How Tax Transcript Scams WorkThe scam works this way: you get an email with the words “tax transcripts” in the subject line. The email has an attachment named “Tax Account Transcript” or something similar. Don’t open this attachment. It’s malware known as Emotet that can infect your computer network and steal personal and business information. The IRS will never call, email, or text you asking for your tax information. It will also not send you a message with an attachment asking you to log in to get a tax transcript or update your profile. How to Protect Yourself and Report Tax Transcript ScamsDo:
Don’t:
Learn more from the IRS about the tax transcript scam. Last Updated: May 9, 2022 TopWhat is this phone number 800 830 5084?If you are a victim of this scam, you should receive a 5071C letter from the IRS with instructions for providing information via the IRS identity theft website. You also can call the IRS at (800) 830-5084 to let agency officials know that you did not file the return referred to in the IRS letter.
What is the IRS integrity and verification operations?The IRS's Integrity and Verification Operation (IVO) function screens and verifies potentially fraudulent tax returns to prevent the issuance of improper refunds.
Why did I receive a letter from the IRS from Integrity & verification operations?The IRS sends these identity verification letters to taxpayers after receiving an e-filed/paper-filed tax return, before processing a refund. Sometimes this is to randomly verify identification as a measure to prevent identity theft and to test and strengthen IRS internal controls.
What phone number is 800 829 8374?Tax practitioners with account or tax law questions may call 800-829-8374.
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