U.S. Attorney and IRS Urge Taxpayers to be on Lookout for Scams

Tax Payment and Filing Deadline July 15, 2020

DES MOINES, Iowa – United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum and Acting Special Agent in Charge Adam Steiner, IRS Criminal Investigation, St. Louis Field Office, are reminding taxpayers that the tax filing and payment deadline is July 15, 2020, and to continue to be on the lookout for scam artists.

USA Krickbaum and Steiner made the announcement today to urge people to owe taxes, even if they have a filing extension, to carefully review their situation and pay what they can by July 15 to avoid penalties and interest. Due to COVID-19, the original filing date and tax payment due date for 2019 was postponed from April 15 to July 15. For people facing hardships, including those affected by COVID-19, who cannot pay in full, the IRS has several options available on IRS.gov/payments.

“Taxpayers who are unable to pay their taxes in full should act as quickly as possible since interest and penalties can quickly accumulate when more time passes,” warned Steiner. “You must pay the taxes you owe by July 15.”

In addition, USA Krickbaum and Steiner remind taxpayers that scammers are hard at work looking for ways to steal your personal information and money. Stay alert to these scams. The IRS will not contact you by phone, email, or social media to ask for personal information. This is a scam.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office and IRS Criminal Investigation will investigate and prosecute criminals who use taxpayer’s personal information to commit crimes,” stated USA Krickbaum. “Individuals who perpetrate tax scams and prey on the most vulnerable of taxpayers will be held responsible.”

For official information, go directly and solely to IRS.gov.