As tax deadline approaches, IRS scams lurk

As the filing deadline for your 2016 taxes approaches on April 18, the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office reminds citizens about several IRS scams.

If the IRS has questions regarding your taxes, they will not initially call you.

The IRS will always send you an official letter that first describes any issues it may have. The letter will also provide you with a number you can call regarding any questions with the letter you’ve received.

Do not provide your personal information (full name, date of birth, Social Security number) over the phone to anyone you cannot positively identify.

Scammers have recently been calling or leaving messages for residents to call back indicating they owe the IRS money. Once the victim speaks with the scammer, he demands immediate payment of thousands of dollars he claims are owed, or threatens some type of legal action to include arrest in an attempt to frighten potential victims.

Scammers then request wire transfers of money or even that gift cards be purchase as a form of payment. The IRS does not accept any type of gift card as payment for any type of tax debt.

If you do receive a phone call from someone claiming to be with the IRS, do the following:

- Record the employee's name, badge number, call-back number and caller ID if available;

- Call (800) 366-4484 to determine if the caller is an IRS employee with a legitimate need to contact you.

If you filed your tax return and the IRS notifies you by mail your tax return has already been filed, someone has likely used your Social Security number to file a fraudulent tax return. You will need to contact the "IRS ID Protection Unit" at (800) 908-4490 to receive and complete the IRS 14039 Form. This form can also be found at the IRS website.

IRS customer service representatives are also available by calling (800) 829-1040 or (800) 829-4059 (TDD) for people with hearing impairments. You may also contact the Idaho office of the IRS in Boise at (208) 387-2847.