California Franchise Tax Board says “Beware of Tax Scams, Identity Theft, and Tax Fraud
Types of Scams
You should be suspicious of anyone that contacts you by email, mail, or phone who:
Asks for passwords for your credit cards, bank account, bank debit card, MyFTB Account, email account, or other private, personal, or business accounts. Our agents never ask for this kind of information and you should never disclose it.
Threatens to contact local police or other law-enforcement groups to have you arrested if a tax debt is not paid.
Demands payment by third-party issued or pre-paid debit cards. We don’t accept these forms of payment.
Claims that there is a problem with your account. Our agents are able to specifically advise you on account information, assessments, balance due, reference notice dates and previous contacts. Our agents will explain the nature and details of you tax or nontax debt. Contact us, if you received a notice or bill from us and want to verify the validity of the communication.
Identity Theft
Identity theft is someone else using your personal information, such as your name, social security number (SSN), and credit card number, for an unlawful purpose. Identity theft can affect your tax records if someone else reports wages using your SSN or uses it to obtain a fraudulent tax refund.
Report Identity Theft
Report any recent or potential tax-related identity theft by mail or by phone.
By Mail
Complete and submit an
or
By Phone
Call our ID Theft Specialists at
916.845.7088
Tax Fraud
Income tax fraud is intentionally paying less tax than owed. You can report tax fraud information directly to us by phone, fax, mail, or via our online form.
You can report anonymously. However, it helps us if you identify yourself.
We won’t share your identity unless compelled by law.
We don’t offer rewards.
You can’t receive updates on the investigation. Privacy and disclosure laws prohibit us from sharing information regardless of whether action is taken.
Tax Fraud Examples (with Intent to Evade Tax)
Failing to report all income received
Claiming to be a resident of another state while residing in California
Making false or fraudulent claims for refunds
Not filing state income tax returns
Questionable tax practitioner practices
Opening and closing of new businesses to evade taxes
Preparing documents, books, and records that understate the true income or overstate the expenses of a business
Report Tax Fraud
Call us at 800.540.3453, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. or
Fax us at 916.843.2060.
Mail us
FRANCHISE TAX BOARD
PO BOX 1565
RANCHO CORDOVA CA 9574
Click here for more information:
https://www.ftb.ca.gov/online/Fraud_Referral/index.shtml?WT.mc_id=Featured_Report_Fraud
For IRS Identity Theft Information click here:
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/taxpayer-guide-to-identity-theft