Some unscrupulous preparers are telling clients who owe payments to give the money to them rather than sending the payment with their , the said in a consumer advisory. Many those victimized are elderly or speak English.
Most taxpayers don’t owe any money, the agency noted, either because they have or they qualify for a exemption.” For those who do, “The should never be made directly to an or return preparer,” said the .
The agency said “reports are coming in from around the country describing unscrupulous preparers who instruct their clients to make payments directly to the preparer.”
In some instances the scammers tell the taxpayers they owe the government a penalty even though they have or other and are not subject to a .
The agency also found that “unscrupulous return preparers are targeting taxpayers with English proficiency and, in particular, those who primarily speak Spanish.” They reportedly tell the victims they must make the payments to the preparer because of their immigration status, or that such a payment will lower the amount owed.
Taxpayers who are unsure if they must make a payment can use the Interactive Assistant tool. Anyone who believes they have been victimized by a preparer can file a complaint with the Internal Revenue .