As you prepare to file your corporate and personal tax returns this year, the Internal Revenue Service is reminding taxpayers to be vigilant about potential tax scams ranging from email refund schemes to phone impersonators.

It is important to keep in mind the IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email to request personal or financial information, including any type of electronic communication, such as text messages or social media channels. The IRS also does not ask for personal identification numbers (PINs), passwords or similar confidential access information for credit card, bank or other financial accounts.

With a few of our clients already having received tax scam emails, Doeren Mayhew reminds you that if you are contacted through emails requesting personal information, do not open any attachments or click on any links contained in the message. Instead, forward the email to phishing@irs.gov.

In order to help protect you against scams and identity theft, the IRS provides the following suggestions:

  • Don’t carry your Social Security card or any documents that include your Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
  • Don’t give a business your SSN or ITIN just because they ask. Give it only when required.
  • Protect your financial information.
  • Check your credit report every 12 months.
  • Secure personal information in your home.
  • Protect your personal computers by using firewalls and anti-spam/virus software, updating security patches and frequently changing passwords for Internet accounts.
  • Don’t give personal information over the phone, through the mail or on the Internet unless you have initiated the contact and are sure of the recipient.

Taxpayers also should be very careful when choosing a tax preparer. While most preparers provide excellent service to their clients, a few unscrupulous return preparers file false and fraudulent tax returns and ultimately defraud their clients. It is important to know that even if someone else prepares your return, you are ultimately responsible for all the information on the tax return.

For more information on how to protect yourself from tax scams, visit the genuine IRS website, IRS.gov, or contact Doeren Mayhew’s CPAs in Michigan, Houston or Ft. Lauderdale.