Fake IRS Demands: Be Careful Florida Taxpayers

Many times family members ask us to assist them with controversies regarding Florida estates and trusts. Although we are located in West Palm Beach, we handle probate matters throughout the entire state of Florida. Have you heard of the recent tax scams that have been occurring in Florida? How can you protect your assets from these scammers?

Estate lawyers are warning clients to be careful out there. There’s a scam going on throughout Florida, and some say throughout the country, where people who claim to be from the IRS are calling and telling you that you underpaid your taxes. They state that penalties are due immediately, and then proceed to threaten you with going to jail or having a sheriff pick you up/ arrest you. This is a scam! Do not give out your information.The IRS does not call you. Instead, they send notices to you in the mail and give you a chance to cure if you underpaid your taxes or owe interest, back taxes, or penalties. Again, you will get WRITTEN notices of a deficiency from the IRS, not a phone call. To learn more about these scams, go to the IRS website.  As the website states, thousands of people have lost millions of dollars over the past years by giving out their personal information to these scammers. Never wire funds or give away credit card numbers to “IRS people” over the phone. Protect your Florida estate by being aware of these phony tax scams that are going on right now.