Don’t Get Tricked By These Sneaky Tax Scams This Season!

A Boston CPA reveals the crafty tax scams lurking this season that could steal your money or identity—read on to stay one step ahead! 🌐 #News #BostonMA #Massachusetts #Lifestyle

Tax season is stressful enough without scammers trying to swipe your hard-earned money or personal information. As a Boston CPA who’s seen it all, I’m here to shine a light on some of the sneakiest tax scams making the rounds here in Massachusetts—and how you can protect yourself. Let’s dive in!

The “IRS Agent” Phone Call

You pick up the phone, and a stern voice claims to be from the IRS, demanding immediate payment for unpaid taxes—or else you’re facing jail time. Spoiler alert: The real IRS doesn’t work that way. They don’t call out of the blue with threats, and they definitely don’t ask for payment via gift cards or wire transfers.

How to Spot It: If the caller pressures you to act fast or demands unusual payment methods (think Bitcoin or prepaid debit cards), it’s a scam. Hang up immediately.

What to Do: Report it to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) at www.tigta.gov. The IRS always starts with a written notice by mail—check your mailbox, not your voicemail.

Phishing Emails Promising Refunds

You get an email that looks legit, complete with an IRS logo, promising a bigger refund if you just click a link and “verify” your info. Next thing you know, your bank account’s drained, and your identity’s up for grabs.

How to Spot It: Hover over the sender’s email address (don’t click!). If it’s not from an official “@irs.gov” domain, it’s fake. Typos, weird phrasing, or urgent demands are also red flags.

What to Do: Forward the email to phishing@irs.gov and delete it. Never click links or share personal details like your Social Security number via email.

The Ghost Tax Preparer

You hire a tax pro who promises massive refunds, only to disappear after filing a fraudulent return in your name. You’re left holding the bag when the IRS comes knocking about those exaggerated deductions.

How to Spot It: If they won’t sign your return, don’t give you a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN), or push you to claim sketchy credits, run the other way.

What to Do: Vet your tax preparer. Ask for their PTIN, check their credentials with the IRS directory, and always review your return before it’s filed. A legit CPA won’t dodge questions or rush you into shady moves.

Fake Charity Donations

Scammers set up bogus charities, especially after disasters, and trick you into donating for a tax write-off. Your money goes to their pockets, not a good cause, and your deduction gets flagged by the IRS.

How to Spot It: The “charity” pressures you to donate quickly or lacks proper documentation. Real charities have a verifiable Employer Identification Number (EIN) and are listed on the IRS’s Exempt Organizations Select Check tool.

What to Do: Research before you give. Use IRS.gov to confirm a charity’s status, and keep receipts for any donations you claim.

“We’ll Fix Your Tax Debt” Ads

A company promises to slash your tax debt for pennies on the dollar, but after you pay their hefty upfront fee, they do nothing—or worse, file false paperwork that lands you in deeper trouble.

How to Spot It: They guarantee results before reviewing your case or charge big fees before any work is done. Legit tax relief pros assess your situation first and explain your real options, like an Offer in Compromise.

What to Do: Check their reputation with the Better Business Bureau and avoid anyone who sounds too good to be true. If you owe taxes, talk to the IRS directly or hire a trusted CPA to negotiate for you.

Stay Smart, Boston!

Scammers are getting craftier, but you don’t have to fall for their tricks. Double-check anything that feels off, protect your personal info like it’s gold, and lean on a qualified Boston CPA if you’re unsure. Tax season’s tough enough—don’t let these crooks make it worse. — Bob Miller, Boston, Massachusetts

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RELATED TOPICS: Lifestyle | Massachusetts | Scams