Fraudulent CP2000 Notices: What You Need to Know

Be on the lookout for fake emails claiming to contain an IRS tax bill related to the Affordable Care Act. The IRS has reported numerous incidents of fraudulent CP2000 notices (standard computer generated IRS notices sent to taxpayers if there is a discrepancy between the amount the taxpayer reports and what a third party reports to the IRS) sent by scammers.

How can you tell if a tax email is fraudulent?
Typically, the scam will involve an email with a fake CP2000 attachment. Taxpayers should know that CP2000 notices are always mailed through the United States Postal Service and not sent by email.

Here is what to look for:

• The notice is sent by email—the IRS does not contact taxpayers by email or through social media platforms;
• The notice is from an Austin, Texas address;
• The CP2000 is regarding the Affordable Care Act and requesting information about 2014 coverage;
• The payment voucher lists the letter number as 105C;
• A request for a check made out to “I.R.S” to the “Austin Processing Center” at a P.O. box address in addition to a payment link in the email.

Click here to see what a real CP2000 Notice looks like.

If you believe you have received a fraudulent CP2000, immediately forward the email to [email protected] then delete it from your inbox.

The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration is currently investigating this issue and more information will be released as it becomes available.

Contact Tax Partner Mark Baumohl at [email protected] or 310-745-5738 for more information.

October 03, 2016