New Tax Fraud Laws and How They Affect You

In December of 2015, the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act was passed. In order to further protect both tax filers and the IRS, the organization also enacted the Security Summit Initiative soon after. Since the passing of these new security measures, you may be wondering if and how they will affect you. Generally, they won’t unduly impact non-scammers, though they will still have some effect on all taxpayers.  

Tax Credit Effects

The main way in which this act will affect common taxpayers is by raising taxes and delaying money owed, all in an effort to recoup money lost to past scammers. This may not seem fair, but the federal government has to make up for the losses it has suffered due to fraud, showing that crime really does affect everyone in negative ways.

One way in which the government is recouping lost funds is by delaying some refundable tax credits, which include the Earned Income Tax credit and the Additional Child Tax Credit. So, while you can still get these credits if you’re truly entitled to them, it will take longer than usual since the IRS is being more dutiful about carefully checking them over to avoid sending refunds out to people who are attempting to cheat the system.

Individual Tax Payer Identification Number Effects

In the past, taxpayers who lacked a valid Social Security Number were able to apply for Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers. And, while that policy is still in effect, the new Act requires that taxpayers must have used their numbers to file a return in the last three years. If they have not, that number is deemed invalid and must be renewed before a return can be filed.

Whether you have to renew your number or not, returns and refunds for people with Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers will likely be delayed as the IRS checks over these numbers and related documents more carefully to try and avoid fraud.

These are just a few of many ways in which the IRS’ new security measures are impacting taxpayers. If you’re curious about how you will be affected, then talk it over with a qualified tax professional so you don’t get faced with any unwanted surprises.