IRS on the line looking for money? More likely a scammer

“I strongly encourage individuals to visit our website and check preparers we have on file and look at their credentials”, says Green.

Last filing season, taxpayer services reached a new low. People can use Free File software immediately but e-filed returns will not be transmitted to the IRS until Tuesday, Jan. 19, when the filing season officially begins. “A bogus or unscrupulous tax preparer will tell you they can get you more money by just walking into their shop”.

“Our office has been gearing up for the upcoming tax season with a considerable focus on combating tax fraud”, North Dakota Tax Commissioner Ryan Rauschenberger said. Information on individual returns is available within 24 hours after an e-filed tax return has been submitted or four weeks after mailing a paper return.

Or seeing more tax owed or refund offset for a year you didn’t file.

Important to note is that this year’s tax deadline is Monday, April 18. That is the day Washington, D.C, observes Emancipation Day (normally celebrated on April 16), leading tax day to be pushed to the next business day.

Filing your return early can help reduce tax-time stress. Taxpayers may also sign up to receive email or text alerts when their refund is issued.

And with millions of people now filing online, the IRS has extra security measures in place. No matter what – you need to make sure to protect yourself. That way you won’t be overwhelmed by doing everything in one sitting. Because it is really just that easy these days, the IRS is asking you to be very skeptical and careful. Unlike the Forms 1095-B and 1095-C, you should wait to file your tax return until you receive your Form 1095-A.

“As soon as they get you on the telephone, they threaten you, if you don’t pay us money, you’re going to go to jail”, Pegues explained.

Free File also can help taxpayers with the new health care requirements. Some documents include Form W-2 from employers, Form 1099 from banks and other payers, Form 1095-A from the Health Insurance Marketplace for those claiming the premium tax credit.

Some states are restricting how refunds can be paid out, and some authorities hesitate to deposit refunds onto prepaid cards, the vehicle of choice for fraudsters because of how hard they can be to track. “Minnesotans can help by using electronic filing and direct deposit, which is the most secure and effective way to get your refund”.