IRS Credit Scams: What You Need to Know

By Greg Collier

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is making strides to ensure taxpayers receive all the benefits they are entitled to, including the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit. This refundable credit is for individuals who missed one or more Economic Impact Payments, also referred to as stimulus payments. To address this, the IRS has announced plans to issue automatic payments to eligible individuals who did not claim the credit on their 2021 tax returns.

The initiative comes after a review of internal data revealed that many eligible taxpayers overlooked claiming the credit when filing their returns. These payments, set to arrive through direct deposit or by paper check, will reach most recipients by late January 2025. A separate notification letter will accompany the payments, ensuring recipients are informed about their eligibility and the steps taken by the IRS.

Importantly, no action is required from those who qualify for the payments. The IRS has emphasized that these payments will be processed automatically, sparing recipients from the need to file an amended return.

While the IRS works to ensure these payments reach the right people, scammers have seized the opportunity to exploit this effort. Fraudulent messages, often sent via text or email, claim to offer Recovery Rebate Credit payments but instead aim to extract personal and financial information from unsuspecting individuals. These fake messages often originate from random email accounts rather than official government addresses. Some even include deceptive URLs that mimic government websites, making it crucial for individuals to verify the legitimacy of any communication they receive.

The IRS has made it clear that it will not contact taxpayers through text messages or social media to request personal or financial information. Anyone receiving such communications should exercise caution and report suspicious messages.

This initiative underscores the importance of taxpayer awareness, not only in claiming benefits, but also in protecting personal information from potential fraud. As the upcoming tax season approaches, the IRS continues to focus on educating taxpayers about credits, deductions, and safeguards against scams. These efforts are part of a broader commitment to enhancing accessibility and reducing barriers that prevent individuals from receiving the benefits they deserve.

By staying informed and cautious, taxpayers can take full advantage of the opportunities available to them while avoiding common pitfalls associated with fraudulent schemes.

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