With the new financial implications that arose from the COVID-19 pandemic comes new, potential scams. The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) now has a website regarding the IRS-related coronavirus scams, providing up-to-date information and a call to action for taxpayers to report any suspicious activity.
Both the IRS and TIGTA issued warnings about scammers posing as the IRS in hopes of obtaining personal information from payment recipients to steal money. According to the Federal Trade Commission, there was more than $13 million in fraud loss due to COVID-19 before relief checks went out.
It’s important to be vigilant during this time and keep an eye out for potential scams via phone, email, text or social media. If you want to report any suspicious activity, the TIGTA has a tip webpage.
About National Association of Tax ProfessionalsThe National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) is the largest association dedicated to equipping tax professionals with the resources, connections and education they need to provide the highest level of service to their clients. NATP is comprised of over 23,000 leading tax professionals who believe in a superior standard of ethics and exemplify professional excellence. Members rely on NATP to deliver professional connections, content expertise and advocacy that provides them with the support they need to best serve their clients. The organization welcomes all tax professionals in their quest to continually meet the needs of the public, no matter where they are in their careers.
The NATP headquarters is located in Appleton, WI. To learn more, visit www.natptax.com.
Information included in this article is accurate as of the publish date. This post is not reflective of tax law changes or IRS guidance that may have occurred after the date of publishing. All taxpayer circumstances are different, and NATP recommends contacting research services if you have specific questions about your clients’ tax situations.