Tax season is stressful enough without having to add to it, but as with most things tax related, nothing is ever simple or straight forward. We’ve discussed scams in the past, and one of the latest scams to hit business owners and individuals alike are IRS-themed emails.
Often using current events to mask attacks, what better time than tax season to pounce with a notice or letter? “Not only do criminals exploit its anxiety and fear factor, but the tax season also gives them the opportunity to generate a variety of 
social engineering tricks,” said Kevin Haley, director of Symantec Security Response.
But a few quick accountant tips can help you sort out what is really from the IRS and what is a scam to get you to click on a dangerous link, get your sensitive information (such as social security number or bank account), and even requesting payment for services you don’t need, which work out well since they will probably never be provided.
- No Emails – The IRS will never contact you via your email address even if provided. Do not respond to an email claiming to be from the IRS.
- Online Check – If you do get a letter or a form in the mail, look it up on Google, Bing, etc. The IRS even has its own page detailing forms and publications.
- Attachments – Scammers can also send tax forms, Turbo Tax preparations, and the like as an email attachment. The short of it is, if you didn’t request it, you shouldn’t open it.
- Other Email – If you do use Turbo Tax, Quicken, or other bookkeeping and accounting software to help with your taxes and receive an email from them, make sure the domain name is correct before opening.
To get the whole accounting story, check it out on CNN.
And of course, if you are unsure of what to do with a particular notice or form, contact your Houston accounting and bookkeeping specialist for a direct answer. For all help with your IRS or other related troubles, contact us at 281-894-6494.