Be on the alert for Tax SCAMS!
BE SUSPICIOUS IF SOMEONE CLAIMING TO BE THE IRS:
- Calls to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. Generally, the IRS will first mail you a bill if you owe any taxes.
- Threatens to immediately bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have you arrested for not paying.
- Demands that you pay taxes without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe.
- Asks for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.
What You Should Have Ready Before Filing Your Taxes
Personal
Information
- Valid Drivers License or Government ID.
- Your Social Security Number or ITIN
- Your spouse’s (if applicable) Full Name, Social Security Number or ITIN, and valid Drivers License or Government ID.
- Identity Protection PIN, if one has been issued to you, your spouse, or your dependent by the IRS.
- Routing and account numbers to receive your refund via direct deposit or pay your balance due via direct debit (optional).
Dependent Information
- Birth Certificate
- Social Security Card or ITIN.
- Childcare records (including the provider's tax ID number) if applicable.
- Income of the dependent (if applicable).
Education Payments
- Forms 1098-T from educational institutions.
- Receipts that itemize qualified educational expenses.
- Records of any scholarships or fellowships you received.
- Form 1098-E if you paid student loan interest.
Employee Information
- Form W-2
Self Employment Information
- Forms 1099, Schedules K-1, income records to verify amounts not reported on 1099-MISC or new 1099-NEC.
- Records of all expenses — check registers or credit card statements, and receipts.
- Business-use asset information (cost, date placed in service, etc.) for depreciation
- Record of estimated tax payments made (Form 1040–ES).
Retirement Income and Contributions
- Pension/IRA/annuity income (1099-R)
- Social security/RRB income (1099-SSA, RRB-1099)
- Form 5498 showing IRA contributions
- Traditional IRA basis (i.e. amounts you contributed to the IRA that were already taxed)
