Taxpayers Can Protect Themselves from Scammers by Knowing How the IRS Communicates

If the IRS does call a taxpayer, it should not be a surprise because the agency will generally send a notice or letter first. Understanding how the IRS communicates can help taxpayers protect themselves from scammers who pretend to be from the IRS with the goal of stealing personal information. Here are some facts about how… Continue reading Taxpayers Can Protect Themselves from Scammers by Knowing How the IRS Communicates

IRS Offers Guidance To Taxpayers On Identity Theft Involving Unemployment Benefits

The Internal Revenue Service today urged taxpayers who receive Forms 1099-G for unemployment benefits they did not actually get because of identity theft to contact their appropriate state agency for a corrected form. States issue Forms 1099-G to the taxpayer and to the IRS to report what taxable income, such as refunds or unemployment benefits,… Continue reading IRS Offers Guidance To Taxpayers On Identity Theft Involving Unemployment Benefits

IRS launches Identity Theft Central

IRS launches Identity Theft CentralFocuses on needs of taxpayers, tax professionals and businesses The Internal Revenue Service today launched Identity Theft Central, designed to improve online access to information on identity theft and data security protection for taxpayers, tax professionals and businesses. Located on IRS.gov, Identity Theft Central is available 24/7 at irs.gov/identitytheft. It is a… Continue reading IRS launches Identity Theft Central

IRS Investigated 3,400 Cases of Tax ID Theft, Laundering, Cybercrime and Terrorism in 2016

In 2016, theĀ Criminal Investigation (CI) division of theĀ Internal Revenue Service initiated 3,395 cases in the fiscal year 2016 that focused on tax-related identity theft, money laundering, public corruption, cybercrime, and terrorist financing. That’s according to the IRS Criminal Investigation annual report, reflecting the significant accomplishments and criminal enforcement actions taken in the fiscal year 2016.… Continue reading IRS Investigated 3,400 Cases of Tax ID Theft, Laundering, Cybercrime and Terrorism in 2016

Identity Theft and Refund Fraud Overview

Combating identity theft is a top priority, and across the IRS many important steps are being taken to fight it. A key part of this involves the Security Summit Initiative, a unique partnership between the IRS, state revenue departments and the private-sector tax industry leaders. This unprecedented Security Summit Initiative is the first public-private partnership… Continue reading Identity Theft and Refund Fraud Overview