Beware of IRS scams

It is that time of year again, tax season, so the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office is warning citizens about several IRS scams.

First and foremost, if there is an issue with someone's taxes, the agency will send a letter first. The IRS will not call.

Several residents have reported that they recently received calls in which the caller or a recording alleges to be representing the IRS. The resident is told he or she must call the IRS regarding a lawsuit the IRS will be filing against the resident, or a possible arrest warrant will be issued. The caller or recording will provide a telephone number for the resident to call.

"Do not call the number. This is a scam," cautioned the sheriff's office in a media release issued Friday.

In another, a caller says he or she is with the IRS and asks for your personal information - name, address and Social Security number. This is another scam.

"If you filed your tax return, and the IRS notifies you by mail your tax return has already been filed, someone has used your Social Security number for filing a tax return," states the sheriff's office.

In that case, a citizen will need to contact the "IRS ID Protection Unit" at (800) 908-4490 to receive and complete the IRS form No. 14039. This form can also be found at the IRS website.