Recent Immigrant to United States Gets IRS Scam Call

The Back Story:

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Individual from Cook County

I received a telephone call from a recent émigré to the United States regarding a telephone call he received from the “IRS.”  The “IRS” left a voicemail on his cell phone demanding payment of his tax liability within 24 hours or the “IRS” would send the police to arrest him.  This individual had immigrated to the United States in 2017, but only began working in the United States as an Uber driver in February of 2018 after he received his Social Security number.  The money that he received prior to February of 2018 was from family and friends.  I confirmed that the telephone call he received was a scam and that he should ignore it.  I suggested that he retain a qualified CPA to assist him with estimating his tax liability in 2018 and to make estimated tax payments in full and on time so that he does not have any unpaid liability on his tax return for 2018 when it is filed in 2019.  Further, I urged him to keep copies of all of his receipts related to his Uber driving business including fuel, oil and maintenance, something that he had not been doing.  The tax system here in the United States can be daunting and confusing, and even more so to immigrants unfamiliar with the taxation system in the United States.  If you would like more information about “IRS” scams, click here. If you would like more information on how to hire a qualified CPA to assist you with your tax obligations, click here.