With the start of the 2014 tax season approaching on Jan. 31, the Internal Revenue Service urged taxpayers to be aware that tax-related scams using the IRS name proliferate during this time of year. Tax scams can take many forms, with perpetrators posing as the IRS in everything from e-mail refund schemes to phone campaigns. The IRS warned taxpayers to be vigilant of any unexpected communication that is purportedly from the IRS at the start of tax season. The agency also encourages taxpayers to be on the lookout for phone and email scams that use the IRS as a lure. 

The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email to request personal or financial information. This includes any type of electronic communication, such as text messages and social media channels. The IRS also does not ask for personal identification numbers (PINs), passwords or similar confidential access information for credit card, bank or other financial accounts. Recipients should not open any attachments or click on any links contained in any suspicious messages. Instead, forward the e-mail to phishing@irs.gov. Additional information on how to report phishing scams involving the IRS is available on the genuine IRS website, IRS.gov. 

Taxpayers also should be very careful when choosing a tax preparer. While most preparers provide excellent service to their clients, a few unscrupulous return preparers file false and fraudulent tax returns and ultimately defraud their clients. It is important to know that even if someone else prepares your return, you are ultimately responsible for all the information on the tax return.