By Rep. Warren Petryk

Representing Wisconsin State Assembly District 93

With tax season in full swing, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is reminding taxpayers to remain vigilant throughout this time. Unfortunately, there are Wisconsin taxpayers each and every year who fall prey to thieves and fall victim to tax return scams. In saying so, it is important that Wisconsinites are aware of scam signs and how to prevent tax theft.

During tax season, online scammers will often attempt to file a tax return under your name while re-directing the refund to themselves by including their own banking accounts and information. As soon as the refund is deposited into their account, they will withdraw the funds as cash in attempts to cover their tracks. Often times, the thief will also include the children’s identities in order to claim them as dependents and maximize the return.

However, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself as well as your children. Most importantly, if you are concerned that you have already fallen victim to such a scam, the easiest and fastest way for you to find out, is to look at whether or not a return has already been filed under your name. The Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) has an online tool that allows you to check your tax return filing status. You can go to https://www.revenue.wi. gov, click online services, and look for a link called “Check on your refund”.

Additional ways to find out whether or not you are a victim of such a scam include checking your mail for notices from the IRS that you have already filed your return, that there was a discrepancy in a return that you did not file, or that your account has been sent to collections for a return that you did not submit.

If you think you may be a victim, DATCP suggests that you report the fraud immediately by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-0433 and the WI Department of Revenue at 608-266-2486. In addition, DATCP has an information packet available at https://datcp.wi.gov/Documents/ IDTheftPasswordsCreating658. pdf. You can also call their Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-422-7128 for more information.

For more information, visit https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Pu blications/ImposterScams214. aspx.

If you need additional assistance filing your taxes, you can go to TaxPrepChecklist.pdf (wi.gov), DOR Tax Assistance Programs (VITA/TCE) (wi.gov), as well as many other resources. And as always, myself and my staff are here to help. You can reach my office by calling 608- 266-0660, or toll free at 888-534-0093.

State Rep. Warren Petryk