Be on the lookout for promises of inflated tax refunds
The Internal Revenue Service warned taxpayers today to be alert to unscrupulous tax return preparers boasting of inflated tax refunds, a common scam tactic during filing season. Return preparers promising larger refunds than competitors or providing refunds substantially larger than taxpayers have routinely seen could be a warning sign. The IRS has included this scheme […]
Taxpayers must report health care coverage on 2018 tax return
As taxpayers are completing their 2018 tax returns this year, they must complete the lines related to health care. For tax year 2018, the IRS will not consider a return complete and accurate if individuals do not do one of the following on their return: Report full-year health coverage Claim a coverage exemption Report and […]
Identity theft remains on IRS’ ‘Dirty Dozen’ list despite progress
Despite a steep drop in tax-related identity theft in recent years, the Internal Revenue Service today warned taxpayers that the scam remains serious enough to earn a spot on the agency’s 2019 “Dirty Dozen” list of tax scams. “Taxpayers should continue to protect their sensitive tax and financial data to help protect against identity thieves,” […]
Taxpayers can zip over to IRS.gov for answers to many tax questions
As taxpayers are filing their 2018 tax returns, they might have questions about their taxes. The IRS reminds taxpayers that they can quickly find most answers to these tax questions on IRS.gov. Here are some of the pages and resources on IRS.gov where people can go to find more information about tax topics. IRS Services […]
IRS: Be vigilant against phone scams
WASHINGTON — As the April filing deadline approaches, the Internal Revenue Service today warned taxpayers to be alert to tax time phone scams where aggressive criminals pose as IRS agents in hopes of stealing money or personal information. Phone scams or “vishing” (voice phishing) continue to pose a major threat. The scam has cost thousands […]
Here’s how a name change affects a tax return
When someone legally changes their name, there are tax consequences they need to know about., especially at tax time. People change their names for several reasons: Taking their spouse’s last name after a marriage Hyphenating their last name with their spouse’s after getting married Going back to their former name after a divorce Giving an […]
Unnecessary Stuff
IRS waives estimated tax penalty for farmers, fishermen who file returns and pay tax by April 15
The Internal Revenue Service will waive the estimated tax penalty for any qualifying farmer or fisherman who files his or her 2018 federal income tax return and pays any tax due by Monday, April 15, 2019. The deadline is Wednesday, April 17, 2019, for taxpayers residing in Maine or Massachusetts. The IRS is providing this […]
‘Where’s My Refund?’ remains easiest way to check tax refund status
The Internal Revenue Service today reminds taxpayers that the easiest way to check on a tax refund is “Where’s My Refund?,” an online tool available at IRS.gov and through the IRS2Go app. The fastest way to get a refund is to use IRS e-file and direct deposit. This news release is part of a series […]
Taxpayers can minimize the effects of data theft with these steps
Every day, the theft of personal and financial information puts people at risk of additional problems. Thieves often use the stolen data as quickly as possible to: Sell the information to other criminals. Withdraw money from a bank account. Make credit card purchases. File a fraudulent tax return for a refund using a victim’s name. […]