INLAND EMPIRE – Some new income tax scams are making the rounds and low-income residents of San Bernardino County are being hit.

Spokesman Raphael Tulino at the IRS says scammers are encouraging taxpayers to file tax returns for a fee to get a bogus refund, tax credit or rebate.

“Some of the more recent false claims include offers of free money with no documentation required and fictitious claims for refunds based on Social Security benefits.”

Taxpayers are encouraged to ignore flyers and advertisements for free money from the IRS. (INT)

The IRS says taxpayers should be wary of any of the following:

· Fictitious claims for refunds or rebates based on excess or withheld Social Security benefits.

· Claims that Treasury Form 1080 can be used to transfer funds from the Social Security Administration to the IRS enabling a payout from the IRS.

· Unfamiliar for-profit tax services teaming up with local churches.

· Home-made flyers and brochures implying credits or refunds are available without proof of eligibility.

· Offers of free money with no documentation required.

· Promises of refunds for “Low Income – No Documents Tax Returns.”

· Claims for the expired Economic Recovery Credit Program or Recovery Rebate Credit.

· Advice on using the Earned Income Tax Claims based on exaggerated reports of self-employment income.

· In some cases non-existent Social Security refunds or rebates have been the bait used by the con artists. In other situations, taxpayers deserve the tax credits they are promised but the preparer uses fictitious or inflated information on the return which results in a fraudulent return.

Story Date: August 10, 2011