This week’s Parade magazine has some helpful tips on dealing with possible scams during tax season (”Save Money on Taxes” by Lynn Brenner, Mar. 16, 2008).  Brenner warns against the following:

• A phone call from the “IRS” telling you that you’re eligible for a tax rebate and asking for your bank information so the funds can be deposited directly into you account.
• An email from the “IRS” informing you of a forthcoming tax rebate with a link to an official-looking website where you are told to provide personal information in a form.
• Cash to you for filling out a customer-satisfaction survey where you provide your social security number and credit card information.  (Do the scam artists think this one is going to work???  Does anyone believe that the IRS cares about customer service?  I guess that’s why they’re offering the cash.).
• An email from the “IRS” telling you that you are “under audit” and demanding that you provide personal financial information immediately to “make things right.”

Anytime I get correspondence from the IRS, my heart beats just a little faster.  It’s stressful enough making sure that the tax return is completed and filed properly without having to sweat over whether the IRS agent at your door is the real deal (an exaggeration, but you get the point).  So, if you have doubt about whether an IRS communication, whether it be by letter or phone call or email, is legitimate, Brenner advises you to call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to confirm its authenticity.