
The IRS is warning taxpayers to be on the lookout for emails from COVID-19 stimulus fraudsters. They know millions of Americans will soon be receiving stimulus payments from the government. The criminals may try to get you to sign over your check to them or ask you to “verify” your filing information in order to receive your money, and then use your personal information at a later date to file false tax returns. Do not give personal information to anyone claiming to be from the IRS in email. You will not receive your stimulus payment in this manner.
The IRS offers the following information and tips to spot a scam and understand how the COVID-19 related economic impact payments will be issued.
The IRS is urging taxpayers who have not previously provided direct deposit information, are non-filers for whatever reason, or who wish to update the information, to provide that data. However, the mechanism to do that is not yet available. The IRS is expected to have a tool on their web site www.irs.gov on or about April 15, 2020 where taxpayers can provide the information. Taxpayers should also check the IRS’s web site for specific information.
The Service is also aware that there will be numerous instances of changed circumstances, births, deaths, marriages and divorces. Currently, there is no means to update the IRS database outside of filing a 2019 tax return or waiting until next year when you file your 2020 return. Read additional information on the Economic Impact Payment and stimulus checks here.
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