IRS Tax Scams

IRS tax scams are becoming increasingly prevalent.  The IRS has issued a warning about a pervasive phone scam.  Be aware that the IRS always sends taxpayers a written notification of any tax due via the U.S. mail.  More importantly, the IRS will never ask for credit card, debit card, or prepaid card information over the telephone.  If you get a phone call from someone claiming to be from the IRS, and you think you owe taxes, hang up and call McKinley & Co. at (814) 849-8586 or the IRS at (800) 829-1040.

It is also important to know that the IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email to request personal or financial information.  This includes any type of electronic communication, such as text messages and social media channels.  The IRS does not ask for PINs, passwords, or similar confidential access information for credit card, bank, or other financial accounts via email or any other means.

Ref: Thomson Reuters/Practitioners Publishing Company Tax Action Memo-1680 July 15, 2014