Tax scams abound. How to keep refund safe from scammers

Tax season is in full swing, and as Michigan residents file their 2025 state and federal earnings taxes, scammers are additionally attempting to steal identities and private data, specialists warn.

“Yearly round April, scammers stage phishing assaults, pretend Inner Income Service (IRS) notices and tax-related identification theft makes an attempt in hopes of stealing private data or sending refunds,” the newspaper mentioned. National Cybersecurity Alliance mentioned on February 17. “Importantly, nonetheless, these scams can happen at any time of the yr.”

From late January to mid-April, delicate data is processed on-line for tax returns, together with Social Safety numbers, banking data, addresses and extra. Based on the NCA, that is the right time for scammers to pose as IRS workers.

“In addition they know that this can be a traumatic time and that for many people there may be some huge cash at stake,” NCA mentioned in a information launch.

There are precautions you may take towards scammers. For instance, you may file early, use multi-factor authentication, and use a non-public Wi-Fi connection to guard your private data.

Michigan residents should submit their software federal and state income taxes for 2025 by April 152026, though there are exceptions for army personnel, individuals dwelling exterior the U.S. and people affected by catastrophe, in response to the IRS.

Moreover, modifications in the best way the US Postal Service cancels mail means you may should file taxes or ask for a signature at a publish workplace earlier than the deadline.

Taxpayers do have the choice to request a six-month extension to keep away from penalties, however “an extension of time to file a return just isn’t an extension of time to pay,” the IRS reminded filers.

Listed below are extra essential dates for the 2026 tax season and preserve your data protected:

When is Tax Day for State and Federal Taxes 2026?

The tax deadline is Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

The primary day for submitting was Monday, January 26, so the IRS and Michigan Division of Treasury are at the moment accepting returns.

How can I defend my data from scammers through the 2026 tax season?

As taxpayers file their 2025 contributions, there are safety practices to bear in mind, in response to the NCA and the IRS:

• Submit early: Scammers use stolen Social Safety numbers to file false returns and demand refunds earlier than the true taxpayer recordsdata their returns. Submitting a report early reduces the possibilities for scammers.
• Use an IRS Id Safety PIN (IP PIN): The six-digit code helps forestall unauthorized tax returns utilizing your Social Safety quantity and helps forestall identification theft. You possibly can receive your IP PIN out of your online IRS account.
• Use multi-factor authentication: This implies an additional layer of safety whenever you log into your private accounts. Along with your password, you ship a singular code by way of textual content message or electronic mail.
• Be alert to phishing tax fraud: Scammers will pose because the tax authorities. They may even pose as tax advisors and monetary establishments to steal data and cash. It is very important be aware that the IRS doesn’t provoke contact by way of electronic mail, textual content, or social media.
• Ask tax advisors about their cybersecurity: For those who work with a tax skilled, their cybersecurity practices matter. It is suggested to ask about their identification theft measures, how they retailer information and who has entry to your data and extra.
• Trade tax paperwork securely: Keep away from sending tax paperwork as common electronic mail attachments. Electronic mail just isn’t a protected place for delicate data.
• Again up tax information: Be sure to have digital and bodily backups of your tax paperwork. Retailer digital copies in encrypted cloud storage, on an exterior arduous drive, or each. Additionally preserve paper copies in a protected place, similar to a locked file cupboard or protected.

As well as, the IRS recommends utilizing safe software program (by way of antivirus and firewalls), creating sturdy passwords, utilizing non-public Wi-Fi networks, and studying acknowledge phishing emails or smishing texts – any of which must be reported to the IRS instantly.

How do I create a private on-line account on the IRS web site?

Taxpayers can get a personal online account through the IRS website. The account offers safe entry to funds, balances, tax data and extra.

When creating an account, the IRS makes use of ID.mea web-based service that protects your identification and information. You will want to confirm your identification with a selfie and a photograph of your ID, or with a stay video name with an ID.me agent.

Are there penalties for not submitting my tax return?

Sure. File cannot be submitted comes with a penalty of 5% of the tax owed (much less any tax paid on time and out there credit) for every month or partial month the return is late, the IRS says. The effective is a most of 25%. The IRS additionally expenses curiosity on penalties.

Can I file my tax return on April 15, 2026?

Sure. April 15 is the final full day to file your state and federal taxes.

For those who mail your taxes, it’s possible you’ll must go to a publish workplace for a hand stamp to make sure it’s postmarked by the deadline. Latest modifications imply the Postal Service will not have the ability to stamp the mail till a number of days after receipt, which might imply the IRS will contemplate your return overdue even in case you dropped it off on April 15.

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How a lot time do I get after I request an extension?

In case your taxes have not been filed by the tip of April 15, taxpayers can accomplish that request an extension as much as six months to keep away from late charges, so the extension provides you till October 15, 2025.

“Be sure to pay the tax you owe by the April submitting date. The extension is just for submitting your return,” it says tax authorities mentioned.

Extension particulars, in response to the IRS:

Will Michigan give taxpayers extra time to file returns?

Sure. the Michigan Department of Finance Additionally offers ways to request more time to file tax returns, however you continue to should pay taxes on time.

Taxpayers are requested to ship a cost of your remaining taxes to Michigan’s Treasury, together with a duplicate of your federal extension, and your state deadline will probably be prolonged to match your federal due date. for many who haven’t filed for a federal extension, they are going to be requested to file”Request an extension of time file tax returns in michigan (Form 4) together with your cost.”

What are the foundations for army members?

Based on the tax authorities those who have served or are serving in the armed forcesemergency surgical procedure or hospitalization might request a 180-day extension to file and pay taxes. This contains these supporting individuals in fight, similar to service provider mariners serving aboard ships or Purple Cross personnel.

Can I get a tax submitting extension if I stay exterior the US?

Sure. Individuals dwelling exterior the US will get a two-month extension to file and pay taxes, which falls in June. January 15, 2026. Moreover, these affected by a catastrophe that brought on enlargement injury, similar to a flood, wildfire, twister or ice storm, can request an extension a part of catastrophe reduction.

Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com