The Cleveland Plain Dealer recently reported on the latest Internal Revenue Service caution to consumers: beware of a new tax scam. Apparently scammers are calling people, posing as IRS employees and demanding payment on overdue taxes.
The fake employees reportedly threaten consumers with tax liens, property confiscations and arrests. A spokesperson for the federal agency says people who receive a threatening call from someone claiming to be from the IRS should "assume it's a scam." She said authentic IRS collectors "advise taxpayers of their right to challenge or appeal a tax bill."
That's a critical distinction between a person posing as an agent and a real IRS agent: the real ones acknowledge that you have the right to challenge an IRS ruling or penalty with the help of a tax attorney. The fraudulent agents, of course, demand immediate payment. It's no surprise to law enforcement officials when that money doesn't go to the IRS.
In many cases, officials say, the people making the calls have personal information on the taxpayer, making it appear that they might be a real IRS agent (or in some cases, an FBI agent).
Another thing a fake IRS agent will do that a real one will not: contact you by Facebook. Real agents also don't send texts or emails to taxpayers, the spokesperson noted.
If you do receive a legitimate notice by mail from the IRS informing you of a an IRS audit or penalty, you can appeal the decision for a variety of reasons, the agency says, including a misapplication of tax law, a misunderstanding of the facts of your situation, an improperly denied offer in compromise or the use of incorrect facts by the IRS. Experienced Cleveland tax attorneys can prepare a letter of appeal and represent you in discussions and negotiations with the IRS. For more information:
