IRS Warns Of Tax Scams: July 15 Deadline

PROVIDENCE, RI — Wednesday is the last day to file your state and federal taxes, after the deadline was pushed from April due to the coronavirus pandemic. As last-minute claims are filed, the Internal Revenue Service and U.S. Attorney's Office in Rhode Island is reminding residents to be wary of potential scams.

To avoid any penalties, all 1040 series tax returns for 2019 must be filed by Wednesday. With paper return processing slowed by pandemic-related shutdowns, filers are encouraged to submit their returns online. Filers who meet certain income requirements can e-file their taxes online for free. To receive an extension to Oct. 15, a person must file Form 4868 by Wednesday.

"Although the extension provides additional time to file the tax return — it is not an extension to pay any taxes due," said Kristina O’Connell, special agent in charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation division in New England. "For people facing hardships who cannot pay in full, including those affected by COVID-19, the IRS has several options available to help. The IRS encourages taxpayers to visit IRS.gov as soon as possible to explore these options and avoid accruing interest and penalties after the July 15 deadline."

Read more: July 15 Tax Deadline: 5 Things To Know In Rhode Island

The division has received numerous complaints in the past few months of scammers impersonating the IRS. Tax filers are reminded to be vigilant and never give out personal information over the phone unless they are certain to whom they are speaking.

"With the extended tax filing deadline now just days away, scammers are working overtime to steal your identity and your personal financial information," Rhode Island U.S. Attorney Aaron Weisman said. "Be vigilant. The IRS will not call you, email you, text you, or contact you on social media."

Anyone who believes they are a victim of a financial scheme is encouraged to reach out to the National Center for Disaster Fraud. Unsolicited emails purportedly from the IRS can be forwarded to phishing@irs.gov.