Please note that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is planning to begin private collection of certain overdue federal tax debts starting in April 2017.

In the past, taxpayers have been warned that scammers oftentimes call, identifying themselves as an IRS representative. The IRS has stated they do not solicit calls to taxpayers, and therefore any call made on their behalf should be treated as a scam.

Under the new program, the IRS will authorize 4 firms to call taxpayers on their behalf: CBE (Waterloo, Iowa), ConServe (Fairport, New York), Performant (Pleasanton, California), and Pioneer (Horseheads, New York).

While this does mean that someone identifying themselves as an IRS representative may not be false, all taxpayers should still be aware and exercise caution should they receive a call from someone identifying themselves as an IRS representative. Scammers are constantly trying out new ways to trick taxpayers into providing personally identifiable information, including names, Social Security numbers, and filing status.

For additional information on this new IRS program, click here: Private Debt Collection

The IRS also reminds taxpayers that IRS employees do make official, sometimes unannounced, visits to taxpayers as part of their routine casework. Taxpayers should keep in mind the reasons these visits occur and understand how to verify if it is the IRS knocking at their door. For more information, visit “How to know it’s really the IRS calling or knocking on your door”

For IRS tips on keeping your personal information secure, click here: IRS Security Awareness Tax Tips

Keep your personal information safe by remaining alert. If you have any doubts of the authenticity of a call, please check with your tax advisor.

If you have additional questions, contact us at info@gtn.com or at +1.888.486.2695.

The information provided above is for general guidance only and should not be utilized in lieu of obtaining professional tax and/or legal advice.