Michigan Treasury warns taxpayers to watch for scams ahead of April 15 filing deadline
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LANSING, Michigan — With about a month to go before the April 15 state individual income tax filing deadline, the Michigan Department of Treasury is warning residents to watch for scams as cybercriminal activity typically increases during tax season.
The department said scammers often use phone calls and email phishing schemes to try to steal personal information. The goal, Treasury said, can be to file fraudulent tax returns and claim refunds in someone else’s name, or to falsely claim a taxpayer owes money and then demand immediate payment.
“This is the time of year where taxpayers need to be extra alert for possible scams and schemes,” Deputy Treasurer Kavita Kale said. “Vigilance is really the key to fighting scammers. Always take the extra steps to confirm you are communicating with an authorized source.”
Treasury said cybercriminals may alter correspondence — including phone numbers, emails and letters — to make it appear that Treasury, the Internal Revenue Service or another official agency is contacting someone. The department said scammers may use organization names, employee titles, and personal details such as a person’s name and address to sound legitimate.
Treasury outlined several things it said it does not do. The department said it will not call or email to demand immediate payment using a specific method such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. Generally, Treasury said it first sends a bill through the U.S. mail to taxpayers who owe taxes.
Treasury also said it does not threaten to immediately involve local police or other law enforcement to arrest someone for not paying, demand payment without giving the taxpayer an opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed, or ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.
Treasury said people who don’t owe taxes — or don’t think they owe taxes — should hang up immediately if they receive one of these calls or discard the message if it comes through other channels. For people who owe taxes or believe they might, Treasury said they can call 517-636-5265 to check account balance information.
Taxpayers with questions about state individual income taxes can use Michigan Treasury eService online or call 517-636-4486, the department said.
Treasury also shared several reminders for the current tax season. Michigan Treasury eServices allows taxpayers to file for free, check refunds, make payments, view records and respond to Treasury letters, according to the department. Refunds typically take four to six weeks for e-filed returns and six to eight weeks for mailed returns, Treasury said.
Free tax preparation is available for eligible individuals through IRS-certified volunteers and other community programs, Treasury said, and residents were encouraged to look for local programs in their area.
Treasury said taxpayers in emergency areas in Southwest Michigan and Northern Michigan have additional time to file and pay state taxes, with penalties and interest waived for those who qualify. The department said relief must be requested directly from Treasury.
To date, Treasury said it has processed 2.6 million returns and issued $1.57 billion in refunds.
More information is available at Michigan.gov/IncomeTax.
