If you receive a call or message claiming to be from the IRS, hang up or delete it immediately.
The Importance of Being Aware of IRS and Tax Scams The Iowa Department of Revenue and the Iowa Attorney General’s Office are warning Iowans about the increasing number of IRS and tax scams targeting the state’s residents. These scams can result in significant financial losses and emotional distress for victims.
How to Protect Yourself
To avoid falling victim to IRS and tax scams, follow these tips:
They may also use fake tax forms and documents to convince victims that their tax returns are legitimate.
The IRS will never ask for personal or financial information via email or text message. The IRS will send a notice to the taxpayer if they have made an error in their return or if they owe taxes. The notice will include the amount of taxes owed, the payment due date, and the address where the payment should be sent. The taxpayer has 10 days to respond to the notice. If the taxpayer fails to respond, the IRS will send a second notice, which may include additional penalties and interest.
The IRS and state tax agencies will never call or email you to ask for payment information. Legitimate tax authorities will always provide a clear and specific reason for any request for payment or information. If you receive a call or email from the IRS or state tax agency asking for payment, do not respond. Ignore the call or email and report it to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) immediately. Contact local law enforcement if the caller is threatening or abusive. If you are contacted by the IRS or state tax agency about your tax return, it is normal to receive multiple contacts. This may be due to a legitimate audit or examination of your tax return. If you receive multiple contacts, do not respond to any calls or emails, but instead, contact the IRS or state tax agency directly to confirm your identity and verify the legitimacy of the contact. The IRS and state tax agencies use various methods to verify the identity of taxpayers and ensure the legitimacy of their contacts.
The office also provides information and resources to help prevent fraud. The Iowa Attorney General’s office is responsible for enforcing Iowa law and protecting the rights of Iowans. The Iowa Attorney General’s office is led by the Attorney General, who is elected by the people of Iowa. The office is also supported by a team of investigators and staff who work to prevent and investigate fraud.