Income tax season has brought more than just the usual jitters about settling up with the IRS.
It has brought a rash of scams and unscrupulous people who prey on honest and unsuspecting people.
But while the news is filled with bogus phone calls and letters from thieves pretending to be IRS agents, there is a letter making the rounds that, should you receive it, must be taken seriously.
The IRS really does send a letter if it has questions about your 2014 tax return. It’s called a 501C letter and that number can be found in the upper right-hand corner of the page.
The 501C letter is sent to people who need to supply more information so their tax return can be processed, or if there is some suspicion that a fake tax return has been filed in their name.
The letter will direct them to a website www.idverify.irs.gov or will provide a toll-free number to the IRS to provide the additional information.
Once their identity is verified, the IRS will be able to determine if a fake return has been filed, or if there are questions concerning a legitimate filing.
“It is one way that the IRS is trying to stop refunds from going into the wrong hands,” IRS spokesman Clay Sanford said.
If you receive a 501C letter you will need to provide information about your 2013 filing and the 2014 return, if you have filed it. You will also need documents such as any W-2 or 1099 forms and Schedules A and C.
It is important to note that the only way you will receive a 501C letter is through the mail.
“Letter 501C is mailed through the U.S. Postal Service to the address on the return,” Sanford said. “The IRS does not request such information via e-mail, nor will the IRS call a taxpayer directly to ask this information without you receiving a letter first.”
If you have received this letter and have concerns, or have questions about your tax situation, call Steidl and Steinberg at 412-391-800 or visit www.GoodByeDebt.com. And don’t throw that letter away.