Advertising

The Seattle Times Company

NWjobs | NWautos | NWhomes | NWsource | Free Classifieds | seattletimes.com

The Seattle Times

Business / Technology


Our network sites seattletimes.com | Advanced

Originally published March 18, 2007 at 12:00 AM | Page modified March 18, 2007 at 2:01 AM

E-mail article     Print view

Beware of unscrupulous preparers, tax schemes

Don't fall victim to tax scams. These schemes take several shapes, ranging from promises of large tax refunds to illegal ways of "untaxing"...

Don't fall victim to tax scams. These schemes take several shapes, ranging from promises of large tax refunds to illegal ways of "untaxing" yourself.

The IRS suggests you remember three important guidelines:

• You are responsible and liable for the content of your tax return.

• Anyone who promises you a bigger refund without knowing your tax situation could be misleading you.

• Never sign a tax return without looking it over to make sure it is accurate.

Beware of these common schemes:

Return-preparer fraud: Dishonest tax-return preparers can cause many headaches for taxpayers who fall victim to their ploys.

On the Web:

H&R Block: www.hrblock.com/taxes/tools. Contains tax tips and calculators.

Smartmoney.com: www.smartmoney.com/tax. Features tax basics and worksheets.

Tax Hawk:
www.taxhawk.com. Select "Tax Tips" for a list of common tax mistakes.

Such preparers derive financial gain by skimming a portion of their clients' refunds and charging inflated fees for return-preparation services. They attract new clients by promising large refunds.

Choose carefully when hiring a tax preparer. As the saying goes, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

No matter who prepares your tax return, you are responsible for its accuracy and for any tax bill that may arise because of a questionable claim.

Identity theft: It pays to be choosy when disclosing personal data. Identity thieves have used stolen personal data to access financial accounts, run up charges on credit cards and apply for loans.

The IRS is aware of several identity-theft scams involving taxes or scammers posing as the IRS itself.

It IRS does not use e-mail to contact taxpayers about issues with their accounts. If you have any doubt whether a contact from the IRS is authentic, call 800-829-1040 to confirm it.

For more information about tax scams visit the IRS Web site at www.irs.gov.

— Internal Revenue Service

Copyright © 2007 The Seattle Times Company

More Business & Technology headlines...

E-mail article Print view      Share:    Digg     Newsvine

advertising

Chase shrugs off loss of CD investors

Sunday Buzz: Expedia, Intelius, Classmates slapped by Senate report

Denny Triangle gains skyline, but tenants slow to come

Your Funds: Money for nothing: Some investors pay for advice they never get

Sunday Memo

Advertising

Video

LA Galaxy's David Beckham
Los Angeles Galaxy's David Beckham talks about the upcoming MLS Cup final during after a team practice.

Real Salt Lake's Kyle Beckerman
MLS trophy arrives in Seattle
Chittenden Locks Inspection
Interview with New Moon actors
Full interview with New Moon actors
Artistic Roller Skating
Girls Soccer: Mercer Island vs. Glacier Peak
Smash Putt! Miniature Golf
Opening day at Crystal Mountain

Marketplace

nwautos

2009's most fuel-efficient sedansnew
Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment

Open Houses

Find this weekend's open house listings.
Or search by location:

 
Most read
Most commented
Most e-mailed
 
 
Advertising