August 20, 2014

Received a telephone call from the IRS? It might not be a scam, after all: Plus a message from the IRS

Vector audit symbol isolated on white background

 

While the IRS ordinarily sends correspondence through the mail, we want you to be aware that some IRS agents are now calling to inform taxpayers that they will be audited or examined, prior to mailing the notice. While this may seem odd, one IRS agent states the reason for this courtesy call in advance is to put the taxpayer on alert, so they will promptly open any mail received from their office.

If you receive such a call from an IRS agent, we recommend that you do pay attention to what they are suggesting and/or requesting. The agent should not ask any personal information, but in the event that they do, we encourage you to simply tell him or her that you prefer to await their formal written notice, and contact your CPA as soon as possible. We advise that you also have your CPA prepare a Power of Attorney, which will allow him or her to assist you in the matter.

Message from the IRS

Precautions: The IRS reminds taxpayers that it never asks for debit or credit card information over the telephone. The agency also does not require that a taxpayer make payment using a specific payment method, such as a prepaid debit card. Taxpayers should contact the IRS if they have any questions about taxes they may owe or refunds they may be expecting, the agency emphasized.

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We at Maddox Thomson are always here to help you with any of these types of issues. In an age where we are inundated with email, notices and phone calls, we’re here to shed some clarity on these instances where cautions for privacy’s sake are a main concern.

If you have questions regarding IRS tax notifications or audits, call or email us at [email protected]

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