Tax scams are rampant although they do spring up more in the Spring as we get ready to pay our income taxes.  Most of the scams prey on two conflicting motivations.  The first is our fear of the IRS and doing something wrong in filling out our taxes and the second is the desire to avoid paying taxes.  Either way, you are a potential victim of the tax scammer.

First and foremost, don’t believe the scammer who tells you that the income tax is illegal and that he or she can show you why you don’t need to pay taxes.  The income tax is legal.  That is all there is to it.  People with contrary opinions have gone to prison for tax evasion.

Some people may receive forms from the IRS on line, often asking personal information such as your Social Security number or even your credit card number.  The IRS does not communicate with taxpayers on line so don’t fall for this scam.

TIP

Consider the source for any tax advice you get.  Don’t rely on people telling you that you don’t have to pay taxes because that is what you want to hear.  Always check out the qualifications of any tax adviser.  And if you are contacted by someone purporting to be the IRS asking for information, if you have any concerns that the contact may be legitimate, contact the IRS at a number that you know is legitimate.