Have you ever experienced an IRS personnel knocking on your door? That would be one of the most stressful events that you will ever experience. But before you freak out, you need to learn these few things in order not to get scammed.
Hello, this is Noel Dalmacio, your ultimate CPA at LowerMyTaxNow.
For the most part, the IRS will usually contact you through mail delivered by the United States Postal Service.
However, there are special situations in which the IRS will come to a home or business. Such as:
1. Overdue tax bill
2. Get a late tax return
3. Late payroll tax payment
4. Tour a business due to an audit – they will usually call taxpayers to set-up appointments but not without notifying you first.
5. Criminal investigations – they will visit you unannounced while conducting an investigation.
If an IRS rep visits you, he or she will always provide two forms of official credentials:
1. Pocket commission
2. HSPD-12 card
HSPD-12 is a government-wide standard for secure and reliable forms of identification for Federal employees and contractors. You have the right to see these credentials.
When you experience these situations, please keep in mind that the IRS does NOT:
1. Demand immediate payment. They will first mail you a bill that is payable only to US Treasury.
2. Demand that you pay taxes without the opportunity to question or appeal the tax owed. You should also be advised of your rights as a taxpayer.
3. Threaten to bring in law-enforcements to have you arrested for not paying.
4. Revoke your driver’s license, business licenses, or immigration status. Threats like these are common tactics scam artists use to trick victims into buying into their schemes.
There you have it. So next time, when IRS knocks on your door, you would be able to avoid getting scammed.
If you like to learn more, click the link lowermytaxnow.com and sign-in to receive my weekly blog.
Until then, this is Noel Dalmacio, your ultimate CPA at lowermytaxnow.com.