Dear Client:
We would like to make you aware of the following:
1) Please remember that the IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email to request personal or financial information; they also do not use text messages or social media channels.
If you do get an email from what looks to be an IRS agent, do not open any attachments nor click any links; instead, forward the e-mail to phishing@irs.gov.
You can find additional information on avoiding Tax Scams and helpful hints to protect yourself against identity theft on http://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/Watch-Out-for-Tax-Scams-as-Filing-Season-Opening-Nears
2) You may receive an Annual Reports Solicitation Form in the mail. This is not a government document and has nothing to do with your corporate Annual Report Filing. The service the company is offering is not a legal requirement; it is purely a solicitation. We recommend that you do not fill out the information nor pay the $125 fee.
3) Identity theft continues to be at the top of the IRS’ watch list. In many cases, an identity thief uses a legitimate taxpayer’s identity to fraudulently file a tax return and claim a refund. The IRS has a special section on IRS.gov dedicated to identity theft issues. Form 14039 ‘Identity Theft Affidavit’ is available to complete if you are an actual or potential victim of identity theft and would like the IRS to mark your account to identify any questionable activity.
If you believe you are at risk of identity theft due to lost or stolen personal information you should contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 800-908-4490 immediately so the agency can take action to secure your tax account. You can also visit their website which has a section devoted to identity theft. http://www.irs.gov/uac/Taxpayer-Guide-to-Identity-Theft
Newburg & Company, LLP continues to protect your information through its use of Portal and other encryption software. Please call us with any questions