(Memphis) Crooks are at it again!
The Internal Revenue Service has released its Dirty Dozen, a list of tax scams consumers should try to avoid.
Topping the IRS’ Dirty Dozen is a problem the On Your Side Investigators have already warned viewers about this tax season and that’s identity theft.
Crooks will often steal identities outside the tax season, then file in your name. The biggest problem is that it can take the IRS up to 180 days to fix the problem, because workers have to sort out who’s who.
Taxpayers who have had their identities stolen recently should get a special number to file with called an Identity Protection PIN. There’s also an affidavit to fill out explaining your taxes have already been affected, or could be, due to identity theft. Affected taxpayers should call the Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490.
Other scams:
- Telephone scams
- Phishing scams
- Promise of “free” money from inflated refunds
- Return preparer fraud
Rogue Preparers Steal Identities, File Returns
- Hiding income offshore
- Impersonation of charitable organizations
- False Income, Expenses or Exemptions
- Frivolous Arguments
- Falsely Claiming Zero Wages or Using False Form 1099
- Abusive Tax Structures
- Misuse of Trusts
List of Free Tax Prep Sites in Shelby Co.
