The IRS has warned consumers to steer clear of any identity theft scams that use the IRS name, logo, or website to convince them that the communication comes from the government. The scammers want your personal information so they can use it to obtain credit in your name (identity theft). The scams can be via email (called “phishing”), fax, or telephone. Recent scams include:
A revenue ruling is the Commissioner’s “official interpretation of the interpretation of the law” and generally is binding on revenue agents and other IRS officials. Taxpayers generally may rely on published revenue rulings in determining the tax treatment of their own transactions that arise out of similar facts and circumstances.