Don’t Get Scammed This Tax Season! The official opening of the federal tax filing season on Jan. 31 is also the unofficial opening of the tax scamming season, the Internal Revenue Service warns.
Tax fraudsters have posed as the IRS in everything from email refund schemes to phone impersonations all aimed at getting you to share your personal financial information. The scammers then use your personal information to steal your identity or file a fake return and collect a false refund.
The IRS never contacts taxpayers by email and it never needs to ask for your personal or financial information ? They already has it from your last return.
The IRS also doesn’t send text messages, nor does it post on your Facebook or Twitter.
There’s no reason for the IRS to ask for your personal identification numbers (PINs), passwords or other passwords for your credit card, bank or other financial accounts.
If you get an email claiming to be from the IRS, don’t open it or click on any links. Don’t Get Scammed This Tax Season! Instead, forward the email to phishing@irs.gov.
Pick Your Tax Preparer Carefully
If you have a professional prepare your return, choose carefully since you’re going to share all your financial information with them. While most preparers provide excellent service to their clients, a few unscrupulous return preparers file false and fraudulent tax returns and ultimately defraud their clients.
Even if someone else prepares your return, you’re still responsible for the information on the tax return.
Don’t Get Scammed This Tax Season!
Tips from the IRS on choosing a preparer:
- Avoid return preparers who claim they can obtain larger refunds than other preparers.
- Don’t use preparers who charge based on the size of your refund.
- Make sure your tax professional signs and enters a preparer tax identification number (PTIN) on your tax return and gives you a copy.
- Consider whether the individual or firm will be around to answer questions about the preparation of your tax return, months, even years, after the return has been filed.
- Never sign a blank tax form.
Ask questions. Do you know anyone who has used the tax professional? Were they satisfied with the service they received? Don’t Get Scammed This Tax Season!
About Deborah Laemmerhirt
Let me assist you in finding everything you need to know about buying or selling a home! As the preeminent real estate professional in my community, I am dedicated to providing the finest service available while breaking new ground.
Because the real estate industry is becoming more sophisticated and challenging every day, you need a professional that understands the industry and is positioned to stay ahead of the game.
I go the extra mile to help you achieve your goals. That’s why I constantly research the home, market and estate values so your home is priced effectively from day one. I also make sure the public knows your home is for sale by using innovative marketing techniques to attract potential buyers.
As an Internet-savvy real estate representative in Connecticut, I’ve had the opportunity to help many home buyers find their ideal homes and many sellers obtain top dollar for their homes. Buying or selling a home is one of the largest financial transactions that most people ever undertake, so I will help you through every step of the process. My goal is to make your home selling or buying experience as easy and enjoyable as possible.
My services include:
Explaining the home selling and buying process thoroughly
Diligently selecting homes that meets your criteria
Pricing your home correctly and implementing a unique yet proven marketing plan
Negotiating on your behalf
Tracking the closing process to ensure a smooth transaction
I welcome the opportunity to address any questions you might have about buying, selling or current market conditions. Please call or e-mail me any time, and I will be happy to discuss your next steps in the buying or selling process.
I specialize in both Residential and Commercial Properties.
I also head a Real Estate Group to provide you with expert service and support.
Areas of Expertise
Making transitions in your life is challenging. You may be moving from out of town, a different state, internationally or just next door! Regardless of the distance I am prepared to respond to your unique needs.If you are a BUYER looking to downsize, up-size, want a new construction, desire a condominium, to invest, even if this is your first home, I will design a unique plan to fulfill your needs in a reasonable time frame, with the best negotiated price and the least amount of inconvenience.For my Home Sellers, I have an innovative marketing plan that will leave nothing to chance. Just call, and I would be happy to share the DIFFERENT and SUCCESSFUL TOOLS I utilize on each of my listings.
I have lived in Connecticut for over 35 years. I practice Real Estate in Fairfield County, New Haven County and Litchfield County. This includes, but is not limited to Bethel, Bridgewater, Brookfield, Danbury, Harwinton, Kent, Litchfield, New Fairfield, New Milford, Newtown, Oxford, Ridgefield, Redding, Roxbury, Sherman, Southbury, Warren, Washington, Westport and Wilton.
