IRS Phone Scams

Most taxpayers are understandably wary of learning there may be a problem with their annual tax return. Preying on this vulnerability, some criminals have developed phone scams in which they pretend to be IRS agents in hopes of stealing money or valuable information from their targets. These impostors can be quite persuasive, using threats and intimidation to convince people that they represent the IRS. People lose millions of dollars a year due to these scam artists’ tactics, but you can avoid falling for them if you know what to watch for.

How to Spot an IRS Phone Scam

Usually, if you owe taxes, are under audit or there is an issue with your tax return, the IRS will first reach out to you by mailing you a notice or a bill delivered through the USPS. If you get an unexpected call, email or text message from someone claiming to be an employee of the IRS or another federal agency like the FDIC, you’re right to be skeptical.

Here are some other telltale phone scam tactics you can look out for.

  • Threatening to revoke your Social Security number, driver’s license or immigration status
  • Asking you to provide your credit or debit card number over the phone
  • Requesting private information such as your birthdate, mother’s maiden name or other sensitive details criminals can use to commit identity theft
  • Saying they can have you arrested for supposedly owing back taxes
  • Demanding you pay without giving you a chance to ask questions or appeal the amount
  • Spoofing the number that appears on your caller ID so it looks like it’s coming from an official source
  • Calling to ask you to use a specific payment method like a prepaid gift card or debit card

What to Do If You Are the Target of a Tax Scam

The IRS encourages everyone to stay aware of these unethical tactics to avoid becoming a phone scam victim. If you receive a frightening or suspicious call from someone who says they represent the IRS, write down the number and immediately hang up. Then, you can report the call to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration through their website or by calling 800-366-4484. You can also email phishing@irs.gov with “IRS Phone Scam” in the subject line.

Remember, the IRS will never request that you send money to any source other than the U.S. Treasury. If you missed the tax deadline and still owe, contact the IRS about how to file back taxes correctly.

Qualified Accounting Help for Small Businesses

At Clear View Business Solutions, we know how stressful taxes can be for small business owners, nonprofits and solopreneurs. We’ll take care of all your accounting needs, so you have more time to focus on doing what you love. Contact us to learn more about our small business tax planning services in Tucson!

Clarity not complexity.

At Clear View Business Solutions, we know you want your business to prosper without having to worry about whether you are paying more in taxes than you should or whether your business is set up correctly. The problem is it's hard to find a trusted advisor who can translate financial jargon to layman's terms and who can actually help you plan for better results.

We believe it doesn't have to be this way! No business owner should settle for working with a CPA firm that falls short of understanding what you want to achieve and how to help you get there.

Clear View Business Solutions is a Tucson-area small business financial advisory, tax services, accounting and bookkeeping firm that can help you ensure your business and financial success.
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Clarity not complexity.

At Clear View Business Solutions, we know you want your business to prosper without having to worry about whether you are paying more in taxes than you should or whether your business is set up correctly. The problem is it's hard to find a trusted advisor who can translate financial jargon to layman's terms and who can actually help you plan for better results.

We believe it doesn't have to be this way! No business owner should settle for working with a CPA firm that falls short of understanding what you want to achieve and how to help you get there. With over 20 years of experience serving hundreds of business owners like you, our team of experts combines financial expertise and proactive communication with our drive to help each client achieve results and have fun along the way.

Here's how we do it:

Discover: We start with a consultation to understand your specific goals, what's holding you back, and what success looks like for you.
Strategize & Optimize: Together, we design a customized strategy that empowers you to progress toward your goals, and we optimize our communication as partners.
Thrive: You enjoy a clear view of your business and your financial prosperity.


Schedule a consultation today, and take the first step toward being able to focus on your core business again without wondering if your numbers are right- or what they mean to your business.

In the meantime, download, "The Business Owner's Essential Guide to Tax Deductions" and make sure you aren't leaving money on the table.