Announcements

2022 Tax Filing and Payment Relief for California Taxpayers – Get The Facts Now

The IRS has once again extended the tax filing and payment deadlines in most parts of California due to destruction caused by landslides, mudslides, and severe storms. Now those Californians have until October 16th to file, as opposed to the previously announced May 15th date.

The IRS has extended the fourth quarter 2022 estimated tax payment deadline to October 16th. The 2023 estimated tax payments due on April 18th, June 15th, and September 15th, as well as the quarterly payroll and excise tax returns due on January 31st, April 30th, and July 31st, have also been delayed until October 16th. No contact or extension paperwork is necessary to take advantage of the extended time. If taxpayers receive penalty notifications within the postponed period, they should contact the number provided for the penalty to be waived.

Latest Newsletter

IRS Issues New Warnings About Phone & Social Media Tax Scams

The IRS recently updated its list of the 12 worst tax-related scams in America, known as the Dirty Dozen. Several current Dirty Dozen cases involve social media phishing, where scammers use social platforms to impersonate someone that a taxpayer knows and trusts.

For example, a scammer might “lurk” on a user’s account, gathering personal information about the user from posts and public chats. The scammer then sends messages to the user that appear to come from a friend, family member or coworker. The messages may have links to websites related to the user’s interests. However, clicking on the links triggers a download of spyware (software that the scammer uses to steal more private information) or ransomware.

Alternatively, the scammer may hack into a social media user’s email or phone, then send fake messages to the user’s friends and family. These messages may trigger malware downloads, or ask for donations to fake charities. All of these phishing methods can ultimately lead to tax-related identity theft. The IRS advises everyone to check the privacy settings on their social media accounts, and limit what they share publicly to prevent lurkers from mining personal data. If you receive an email or message from someone you know with a link or file, confirm that they sent it with a phone call or message them back.

The IRS also reminds Americans of the ongoing threat of phone scams involving IRS impersonation. Scammers may claim to be calling about a federal tax lien, or may threaten people with arrest for supposed tax issues. Remember that the IRS rarely initiates contact with taxpayers by phone, and NEVER demands payment via prepaid debit card, money order, wire transfer or gift card. If you ever doubt the legitimacy of an IRS phone call, do not provide any personal information. Hang up, then call the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 to ask about the call you received, along with any supposed issues raised by the potential scammer.