We use cookies to improve your experience and optimize user-friendliness. Read our privacy policy for more information on the cookies we use and how to delete or block them. To continue browsing our site, please click accept.
2023-2024 Tax Planning Guide
Winning Back-Office Strategies to Boost Your Business Agility
VIEWpoint Issue 1 | 2023
A Refresher on the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty for Business Owner...
Valuations Can Help Business Owners Plan for the Future
SBA Lenders: Beware of BSA
As a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency, many taxpayers recently learned they may be eligible for an economic impact payment through the CARES Act. While this provides a great deal of relief for those who qualify, financial predators are busy planning to use the vulnerability of taxpayers to get their hands on sensitive information. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has reported a recent surge in scams and phishing attempts pertaining to taxpayers’ economic impact payments, resulting in identity theft or tax-related fraud. Here’s what you need to look out for in the coming weeks as these payments are disbursed.
Taxpayers who have previously filed and received their tax refund via direct deposit should expect to receive their payment as normal through direct deposit. Others who have not provided bank information for direct deposit will be able to do so through a secure, online portal on the IRS’s website. For those who have not submitted their banking information, a check will be mailed to the address on file. Retirees who typically aren’t required to file a tax return should remember that no action on their part is needed to receive their $1,200 payment.
If anyone tells you or asks you to do anything outside of the above, you may be at risk of being scammed.
Scammers prey on your personal information, so many of them will set up schemes around obtaining your bank account, Social Security number and more. For example, someone may reach out to you pretending to be the IRS or a third party, and wants to input your banking information on your behalf into the IRS’s secure portal so you don’t have to. You could be contacted through:
It’s important to note the IRS will never call, text or email you to provide your financial information in order to receive your payment or refund quicker. A few red flags to look out for include:
With something as sensitive as your banking information, it’s better to stay safe than sorry. If you feel as if someone is attempting to target you, immediately end the communication and report it to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov.
During this time of uncertainty, Doeren Mayhew’s tax advisors are here to help. If you are wondering if you qualify for the economic impact payment, contact us today.
This publication is distributed for informational purposes only, with the understanding that Doeren Mayhew is not rendering legal, accounting, or other professional opinions on specific facts for matters, and, accordingly, assumes no liability whatsoever in connection with its use. Should the reader have any questions regarding any of the news articles, it is recommended that a Doeren Mayhew representative be contacted.
A quick registration is required to view our resources.
You will only be asked to do this one time (unless you don't save your browser cookies).