Focus at Four: IRS Special Agent on avoiding fraud this tax season
BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – Tax season is upon us, and whether you are filing for the first time, or have been doing it for years, tax fraud can get the best of anyone, if you’re not careful.
Internal Revenue Service Special Agent Ramsey Covington joined First News at Four Wednesday to help us keep our finances and families secure.
He said that if you’re paying for someone to do your taxes for you, then you need to make sure you are being careful with who you choose and hold them accountable during the process in case of an issue with fraud.
“A lot of taxpayers go to a tax return preparer. Some of them just want to get the money for themselves and not the taxpayer. Make sure you sign your tax return, the return preparer, and put their P-10 on it so they can say I am accountable for this tax return just like you are,” said Covington.
He also mentioned that in the South Texas Office alone (which covers Austin, Brownsville, Corpus Christi, El Paso, Houston, Laredo, McAllen, San Antonio, and Waco) many criminals are being brought to justice.
”Last year, the IRS Houston field office, we arrested 96 individuals, they were prosecuted by the US Attorney’s office. They owed about $22 million in restitution and served about 400 years collectively in jail, and that’s just scratching the surface,” said Covington.
He said that even though tax season is tough, contacting your local IRS office is the best bet.
“It’s a lot of work, but that’s what we’re here for, to serve the American public,” said Covington.
Covington’s office number is (844) 545-5640 or you can find your local IRS office here.
