Officials warn taxpayers of scams as tax filing season is underway

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

As the IRS is expecting to receive more than 140 million individual tax returns this season, the Better Business Bureau is telling taxpayers to be aware of potential scammers looking to interfere with filing.

The BBB reports that tax scams are the most common form of fraud reported to the bureau with phone calls, emails, texts and social media messages being the most common ways scammers communicate with people.

The BBB reminds people that the IRS rarely contacts people through email or text. On rare occasions, there may be a phone call, but mail is the most common way of communication. The IRS will also never demand immediate payment, a credit card number or a bank statement over the phone.

When filing, the bureau recommends filing early to reduce the chance of identity theft and to consider getting an IP PIN from the IRS that identifies the taxpayer.

When hiring a tax preparer, the bureau said in a press release to check the prepares credentials, read reviews and avoid preparers who promise to get bigger refunds.

This year, the IRS will also send money to people eligible for the 2021 recovery rebate credit and did not claim it that year.

For fiscal year 2023, the IRS Criminal Investigation initiated more than 2,600 criminal investigations and identified over $37.1 billion from tax and financial crimes.

Columbia's Daniel Boone Regional Library will have taxpayer assistance appointments available until April 12 with IRS-certified tax counselors.