IRS on high alert for fraudulent returns, warn of likely scams

 

By Katharhynn Heidelberg
Daily Press Senior Writer
Published/Last Modified on Sunday, February 7, 2010 4:11 AM MST

MONTROSE - As tax season kicks into high gear, the Internal Revenue Service is warning people to be on high alert for scams ” including ones promising to plump up your tax refunds.

The IRS has begun seeing the “1099-OID” tax scam more and more often, said spokesman Brian Thiel.

The 1099-OID (original issue discount) is a legitimate IRS form used by people who buy bonds at a discount to report accrued income from the bonds. But some tax-return preparers and individuals use the form to claim interest on bonds that don’t exist, and some falsely claim that they’ve already paid the taxes due on that interest.

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The strategy enables them to claim a greater refund on their 1040 form. Tax-return preparers who charge a percentage for their services also get more money, or, alternately, can justify charging a higher flat fee.

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