Beware of tax scams

Tax season is here — and with it, so are fraudsters. The IRS has identified several scams to look out for this year and warned people to stay vigilant against tax fraud. One common scam involves smishing and phishing attacks, where fraudsters send fake emails or texts posing as the IRS to steal personal information. The IRS never initiates contact this way. They almost always contact taxpayers through a letter or notice sent via the United States Postal Service. Another major concern is dishonest or under-qualified tax preparers who promise extra refunds by filing fraudulent returns. The risk falls on the taxpayer, who remains legally responsible for false claims. Additionally, social media misinformation encourages people to submit falsified tax documents. Filing false returns can lead to severe penalties or criminal charges. To protect yourself, use trusted tax professionals, avoid sharing personal information via email or text, and verify tax advice through official sources like IRS.gov.

More information at marincountyda.org or 415-473-6495