The IRS lists 10 top frauds each year, with some items appearing year after year. Taxpayers who believe it is unconstitutional to pay taxes and therefore rely on the facts and information from promoters of these schemes makes the list again this year. A relative newcomer to the list is “phishing”.

Identify thieves use phishing to acquire personal information such as social security numbers and credit card numbers, so they can then defraud the unsuspecting. These Internet-based thieves pose as representatives of either financial institutions or the IRS. They send out mass e-mails attempting to trick the recipients into revealing private information.

According to the IRS website, taxpayers in recent months have received e-mails that appear to come from the IRS. Some e-mails inform taxpayers of a huge refund and gives a link which opens an official looking “IRS website”. The site then solicits a social security number and credit card number. Another trick is to send a taxpayer an e-mail stating they are “under audit” offering to quickly resolve the issue for the “price” of financial information.

The IRS does NOT communicate with taxpayers through e-mail. If you have a refund coming you will not receive a notice from the IRS – and you will not be required to provide personal information. The IRS already has your social security number, so it will not ask for it. If you are under audit, the IRS will only communicate via mail.

If you question anything coming from the IRS, please contact your tax advisor. They will know an official notice from one that appears official.