The IRS issued a warning about fake IRS tax bills being mailed to taxpayers. Scammers have created a fake version of a real notice used by the IRS, Notice CP2000. We suggest using our IRS Letter Decoder to check the authenticity of the letter you may have received before responding.
We have written several blogs on the increase of IRS related scams. Just the other day, we participated in a Facebook posting discussing the number of calls people have received from scammers claiming to be from the IRS. We believe there are two main reasons why IRS tax related scams are successful. One, most people are scared of the IRS. Two, a taxpayer with a known tax problem is more receptive of the threats made by the scammer. It’s disgusting that people pray on the fears of others.
IRS related scams are starting to become more advanced. The IRS announced a scam where fraudulent IRS notices are being sent to unsuspecting taxpayers. The fraudulent IRS letter is includes a real IRS notice number, IRS Notice CP2000. Also, enclosed with the letter is a payment voucher labeled 105C. The letter may be sent as an attachment in an email or mailed. Other features of the fraudulent letter may include the following:
- Letter is send from an Austin, Texas address
- There is an issue related to the Affordable Care Act and requests information regarding 2014 coverage
- Checks should be made out to I.R.S. and sent to the “Austin Processing Center” at a post office box
The IRS does use Notice CP2000 to notify taxpayers of proposed changes to their tax return. If you received IRS Notice CP2000, click here to check the authenticity of the letter you received. We provide a real example of an IRS Notice CP2000 letter. Compare the letter you received to the example letter in our decoder before responding.
If you received a fraudulent call or email, go here for more information on reporting the scam.
Contact us if you are unsure you received a fraudulent letter or call.