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 […]

‘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. […]

Here’s how tax reform affects taxpayers who claim the child tax credit

Many people claim the child tax credit to help offset the cost of raising children. Tax reform legislation made changes to that credit for 2018 and later. Here are some important things for taxpayers to know. Credit amount. The new law increases the child tax credit from $1,000 to $2,000. Eligibility factors for the credit […]

There are six new schedules some taxpayers will file with the new Form 1040

The 2018 Form 1040 replaces prior year Forms 1040, 1040A and 1040EZ. The 2018 Form 1040 uses a building-block approach that allows individuals to file only the schedules they need with their federal tax return. Many people will only need to file Form 1040 and no schedules. Electronic filers may not notice these changes as […]