Consumer Alert
Tax Season Tips: Avoid Fraud and Find Free Tax Help
Learn About Tax ID Theft
Tax identity theft is quickly becoming the most common type of ID theft. It involves someone using your social security number to file a tax return with the IRS before you do to claim a fraudulent refund. If you receive notice from the IRS that someone has already filed a return using your social security number, or your tax records list employers you do not recognize, contact the IRS right away and take steps to prevent ID thieves from using your personal information in other ways.
Learn more:
- Information about tax ID theft
- How to report tax ID theft to the IRS
- What to do if you are victim of ID theft
Learn About IRS Impersonation Scams
Scammers who are pretending to be IRS agents have been calling Alaska residents to demand payments. The scammers, who use fake names and IRS badge numbers, often know personal information about the people they call and threaten to have people arrested or thrown in jail if they do not pay. If you receive a phone call from someone claiming to be an IRS agent demanding payment in any form, hang up the phone. The IRS never calls taxpayers over the phone to request payment.
Learn more:
Find Free Tax Help
Certified tax preparers are providing free tax return preparation services to Alaskans with low to moderate incomes at scheduled events throughout the state and online through April 15.
Find an event and a list of what to bring with you:
- Tax preparation sites and Super Saturday events in Anchorage
- Free online tax preparation
- Find tax help for people 60 years old or older
- Find IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling Services for the Elderly (TCE) tax preparation locations in Alaska
Learn More About the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service
The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an independent organization within the IRS that helps taxpayers resolve IRS problems.
Consumer Protection Unit
January 2015