Be on the alert for potential IRS email scams during tax season. The fact is, the IRS does not initiate communication with taxpayers through e-mail. So, be on the lookout for email claiming to be from the IRS or other government agencies.

These IRS email scams appear to be from the IRS and other government agencies stating more than one tax return was filed for you, or one that indicates you received wages from an employer unknown to you.

Also be on the lookout for another IRS email scam that claims you’re entitled to a tax credit. The Making Work Pay email scam features an IRS logo and promises money as part of the federal government’s economic stimulus package.

Here are some red flags that an e-mail is a scam?

• The IRS communicates to taxpayers via physical mail – NEVER by Internet or e-mail.
• Never-ever respond to email requests for personal information such as social security numbers, credit card or bank information.
• Threatening language – the IRS will not threaten you.
• Poor grammar or misspellings are a sure give-away. That’s usually a hint it is coming from overseas.

What are the consequences of having your Social Security Number stolen?
If your Social Security number is stolen, it may be used by another individual to get a job. That person’s employer would report income earned to the IRS using your Social Security number, making it appear that you did not report all of your income on your tax return.

If you have previously been in contact with the IRS and have not achieved a resolution, please contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit, toll-free at 1-800-908-4490.
What do you do if you’re contacted by IRS for a tax issue but believe I am a victim of identity theft?

If your tax records are not currently affected by identity theft, but you believe you may be at risk due to a lost/stolen purse or wallet, questionable credit card activity, credit report, or other activity, you need to provide the IRS with proof of your identity.

You should submit a copy, not the original documents, of your valid Federal or State issued identification, such as a social security card, driver’s license, or passport, etc, along with a copy of a police report and/or a completed IRS Identity Theft Affidavit – Form 14039.
Please send these documents using one of the following options:

Mailing address:
Internal Revenue Service
P.O. Box 9039
Andover, MA 01810-0939
FAX: Note that this is not a toll-free FAX number
1-978-247-9965

You may also contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit, toll-free 1-800-908-4490 for guidance.

Protecting your identity begins with being vigilant and alert to email scams.

Visit the IRS website for more tax facts, tax tips and answers to any of your tax questions.

source: irs.gov