The Latest IRS Tax Identity Theft Scheme

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Jason B. Freeman

Jason B. Freeman

Managing Member

214.984.3410
Jason@FreemanLaw.com

Mr. Freeman is the founding member of Freeman Law, PLLC. He is a dual-credentialed attorney-CPA, author, law professor, and trial attorney.

Mr. Freeman has been named by Chambers & Partners as among the leading tax and litigation attorneys in the United States and to U.S. News and World Report’s Best Lawyers in America list. He is a former recipient of the American Bar Association’s “On the Rise – Top 40 Young Lawyers” in America award. Mr. Freeman was named the “Leading Tax Controversy Litigation Attorney of the Year” for the State of Texas for 2019 and 2020 by AI.

Mr. Freeman has been recognized multiple times by D Magazine, a D Magazine Partner service, as one of the Best Lawyers in Dallas, and as a Super Lawyer by Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters service. He has previously been recognized by Super Lawyers as a Top 100 Up-And-Coming Attorney in Texas.

Mr. Freeman currently serves as the chairman of the Texas Society of CPAs (TXCPA). He is a former chairman of the Dallas Society of CPAs (TXCPA-Dallas). Mr. Freeman also served multiple terms as the President of the North Texas chapter of the American Academy of Attorney-CPAs. He has been previously recognized as the Young CPA of the Year in the State of Texas (an award given to only one CPA in the state of Texas under 40).

The IRS recently warned tax preparers about a new email phishing scheme aimed at targeting tax professionals. Under the new scheme, scammers email tax professionals pretending to be from tax software providers and asking them to click on a link to download and install software updates.

The new scheme was identified as part of the IRS’s Security Summit process.  As the IRS points out, it is the latest scheme in a series of attempts by fraudsters to use the IRS to trick people into giving up sensitive information such as passwords, Social Security numbers or credit card numbers or to make unnecessary payments.

As part of the warning, the IRS urges all tax preparers to take the following steps:

Tax professionals who handle taxpayer information should pay particular attention to warnings about newly-developed identity-theft schemes, like the one described above.  Such professionals may be subject to a number of related laws and regulations, including the Gramm-Leach Bliley Act (GLB Act), the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Financial Privacy and Safeguards Rules, IRS regulations, and other federal and state laws.  They can face potential liability and may be required to take steps to protect taxpayer information.

Representation in Tax Audits & Appeals

Need assistance in managing the audit process? Freeman Law’s team of attorneys and dual-credentialed attorney-CPAs regularly represents taxpayers before the IRS and Texas Comptroller. Our team also provides tax return-related representations and helps taxpayers navigate state tax laws. Our Firm offers value-driven services and provides practical solutions to complex issues. Schedule a consultation or call (214) 984-3410 to discuss our tax representation services.