SPRING VALLEY — With the April 15 tax filing date, state Rep. Frank Mautino is encouraging taxpayers to be on guard against scams involving false tax collection claims that can rob not only their wallets but their security and peace of mind.
“Tax season brings out con artists who try to take advantage of many taxpayers’ rush to file by the deadline,” Mautino said. “It’s very important that residents are aware of the threats that exist and the methods that scammers use to defraud honest taxpayers.”
According to recent Internal Revenue Service alerts, phone calls from scammers are on the rise. The most commonly reported scam involves a call to taxpayers telling them that they owe money to the IRS which must be collected immediately over the phone using an electronic form of payment. If the target of the scam refuses, perpetrators frequently threaten legal action. Mautino cautions that taxpayers should not comply without first consulting an attorney.
The IRS initiates contact with taxpayers by courier delivery service or by mail through the U.S. Postal Service, not by email or telephone. If a person receives correspondence from someone claiming to be from the IRS and is unsure of its authenticity, Mautino recommends residents bring the correspondence to his district office in Spring Valley where members of his staff can contact the IRS to help determine if the claim is legitimate.
“Attempts to defraud residents can be very elaborate and intimidating, so people should be careful to check that bills or invoices claiming to be from the IRS are legitimate,” Mautino added. “Anyone who has questions should contact my office for help.”
Local residents may visit Mautino’s full-time constituent service office at 221 E. St. Paul St. in Spring Valley or call 815-664-2717.