University students and staff should be aware of IRS impersonation email scam

Certified Public Accountant in Houston

People should be aware of an ongoing IRS-impersonation scam that appears to target educational institutions, including students and staff who have ".edu" email addresses. The suspect emails display the IRS logo and use various subject lines, such as "Tax Refund Payment" or "Recalculation of your tax refund payment." It asks people to click a link and submit a form to claim their refund.

The scam website requests taxpayers provide their:

  • Social Security number
  • First name
  • Last name
  • Date of birth
  • Prior year annual gross income
  • Driver's license number
  • Current address
  • City
  • State/U.S. territory
  • ZIP code/postal code
  • Electronic filing PIN

Taxpayers who believe they have a pending refund can easily check on its status using the Where's My Refund? tool on IRS.gov.

Here are a few things people can do if they believe they are a target of the scam:

  • Report the scam: People who receive this scam email should not click on the link in the email and report it to the IRS. For security reasons, they should save the email using save as and then send that attachment to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or forward the email as an attachment to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
  • Get an Identity Protection PIN: Taxpayers who believe they may have provided identity thieves with their personal information should consider immediately obtaining an Identity Protection PIN. This is a voluntary opt-in program. An IP PIN is a six-digit number that helps prevent identity thieves from filing fraudulent tax returns in the victim's name.
  • Report identity theft: Taxpayers who attempt to e-file their tax return and find it rejected because a return with their SSN has been filed should file a Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit to report themselves as a possible identity theft victim. See Identity Theft Central to learn about the signs of identity theft and actions to take.

Source: IRS

Alfredo Gaxiola has worked on numerous IRS problem cases and has successfully settled with the IRS to release liens on houses, bank accounts and wages and, if needed, setting a payment installment plan that is not burdensome for the client. He has conducted appeals before the U.S. Tax Court and obtained favorable resolutions in reducing the tax debt of his clients. Mr. Gaxiola served as Treasurer of Camara de Empresarios Latinos, one of the largest and strongest Hispanic organizations in the city of Houston. He has conducted financial and accounting seminars for the Houston Small Business Development Corporation, as well.

Certified Public Accountant in Houston

Certified Public Accountant in Houston, Alfredo Gaxiola CPA in Houston, Certified QuickBooks Proadvisor in Houston, QuickBooks Set Up and Training in Houston, Business Tax Return in Houston, Personal Tax Returns in Houston, Quarterly & Monthly Filings in Houston, Financial Statement Preparation in Houston, Consulting Services in Houston, Payroll Preparation in Houston, Bookkeeping Services in Houston, Bank Financing in Houston, IRS representation in Houston

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