Authored by Naveen Athrappully via The Epoch Times
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has initiated a new partnership with members of the tax industry to combat the increasing number of scams that pose a threat to tax systems and taxpayers.
The newly formed “Coalition Against Scam and Scheme Threats” (CASST) was established at the request of IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel.
According to an Aug. 16 press release by the IRS, the CASST initiative will focus on expanding outreach and education about emerging scams, developing new approaches to identify potentially fraudulent returns at the point of filing, and creating infrastructure improvements to safeguard taxpayers, federal and state tax systems, and industry tax systems.
The IRS has reported a rise in identity theft cases, with 15,242 instances of fraudulent returns detected during the 2024 filing season. This marked a significant increase from the previous year, demonstrating the growing threat of identity theft in the tax system.
The CASST task force, which includes organizations such as the Federation of Tax Administrators and national tax professional groups, aims to enhance protections for taxpayers and prevent them from falling victim to fraudulent schemes. By collaborating with various stakeholders in the tax ecosystem, the task force seeks to minimize the filing of fraudulent tax returns and improve overall security measures.
In addition to addressing identity theft, the joint effort will focus on combating scams targeting taxpayers, such as fake charities seeking donations, misleading offers related to the IRS’s compromise program, and phishing scams designed to steal personal information.
Protecting Taxpayers
The IRS has issued warnings about various scams targeting taxpayers, urging individuals to exercise caution and verify the legitimacy of charitable organizations before making donations. By raising awareness about common scams and enhancing security measures within the tax system, the joint effort aims to safeguard taxpayers and prevent financial losses due to fraudulent activities.
With the support of over 60 organizations from the private sector, the CASST initiative is poised to make significant strides in protecting taxpayers and strengthening the integrity of the tax system. By implementing structural changes and improving validation processes, the task force aims to create a more secure environment for taxpayers and reduce the risk of falling victim to scams.
As the 2025 filing season approaches, the joint effort will continue its work to combat tax scams and ensure that taxpayers are not exploited by unscrupulous actors. By promoting transparency, education, and collaboration across the tax industry, the CASST initiative represents a proactive approach to safeguarding taxpayers and maintaining the integrity of the tax system.