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The Reason University of Chicago Employees Need to be Aware of Common Tax Scams

As for the University of Chicago employees and retirees, one must always be careful during tax time and throughout the year as well when it comes to tax scams,' says Tyson Mavar of The Retirement Group at Wealth Enhancement Group. 'This article provides a general overview of the most common types of scams and how to avoid them with the help of the IRS's recommendations.'

'The increase in tax scams during peak seasons calls for more caution among the University of Chicago employees and retirees,' says Wesley Boudreaux, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group. 'Knowing your tax responsibilities and using the IRS's recommended procedures are important steps in the protection of one's personal and financial information.'

In this article, we will discuss:

1. Types of Tax Scams: Different schemes including phishing, phone scams, and tax preparer fraud that target personal and financial information.

2. Preventive Measures: Tips to prevent scams such as checking the source and using protective measures such as the IRS Identity Protection PIN.

3. Consequences and Reporting: Discusses the effects of these scams and how to report them to the proper channels to minimize the effects.

These scams, as reported by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), are more likely to occur during tax season and other times of economic uncertainty. As we are now in the middle of tax season, the Internal Revenue Service is sharing important information with taxpayers and urging them to be on the lookout for scam artists who may attempt to steal their identities.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), financial scams are most common among older people, and con artists often pose as trustworthy entities such as government agencies, charities, or healthcare providers. The FTC has reported that more than $1 billion was lost to fraud by consumers 60 years of age and over, with the median loss being $600. It is crucial for University of Chicago employees and retirees to know the following common tax scams that are likely to be encountered in order to avoid becoming a victim of them.

Phishing and text message scams

The first con that University of Chicago employees and retirees should be on the lookout for is phishing. Phishing and text message scams are unsolicited emails or text messages that appear to be from official IRS websites in an attempt to get you to share personal or financial info. When con artists get their hands on this information, they immediately use it to steal people's identities or their money. The Internal Revenue Service does not contact taxpayers through email, text messages, or any other form of social media communication requesting personal or financial information.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) most typically initiates communication with taxpayers through the regular mail delivered by the United States Postal Service. This information is very important and we would like all the University of Chicago workers and retired employees to be aware of it.

Phone scams

This means that University of Chicago employees and retirees need to be wary of fraudulent phone calls. The scammers will usually tell their victims that they owe the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) money, or that they are due a large refund from the IRS. The calls can show up on your Caller ID as coming from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), they may be accompanied by phony emails that appear to be sent from the IRS, or they may be followed by calls from people claiming to be from the police.

These cons will often target more vulnerable populations, such as immigrants and the elderly, and will often use scare tactics like threatening to arrest you, revoke your license, or deport you.

Tax-related identity theft

Tax-related identity theft occurs when someone uses your Social Security number to file a fraudulent tax return and claim a refund. It is possible that you will not even notice that your identity has been stolen until you attempt to file your taxes and discover that someone else has already used your Social Security number to file a return. You may also receive a letter from the Internal Revenue Service informing you that it has detected a suspicious return that uses your Social Security number. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has recently put into place a program called the Identity Protection PIN Opt-In Program to help combat identity theft related to taxes. The Identity Protection PIN is a six-digit code that only you and the IRS know when you file your tax return.

This code assists the IRS in verifying your identity and helps reduce the chances of your return being accepted by a fraudulent filing. This preventative measure is something that University of Chicago employees and retirees can take in order to protect themselves against the possibility of their identity being stolen.

Tax preparer fraud

There are times when con artists will pretend to be a legitimate tax preparer in order to commit identity theft or fraud with your taxes and your refund. University of Chicago employees and retirees should be cautious of any tax preparer who: Refuses to sign the tax return (also called a ghost preparer), Accepts a cash-only payment, Claims unfounded deductions or tax credits, Has the refunds deposited into his or her account, or Promises a bigger or inflated refund than what is due.

In general, a legitimate tax preparer will also: Review your income and credits and deductions and request evidence of such; sign the return as the preparer; include his or her valid preparer tax identification number; and provide you with a copy of your return. In addition, they must be permitted to prepare tax returns. It is especially important for current and former University of Chicago workers and retirees to be careful when choosing a tax preparer. You are still going to be responsible for everything that is on your return even if your return was done by another person.

False offer in compromise

This type of scam is usually conducted by fraudsters whose goal is to steal the victim’s personal details and claim unemployment benefits. If you receive an unexpected prepaid card for unemployment benefits, if you notice an unexpected payment from your state in your bank account, or if you receive an IRS Form 1099-G for unemployment compensation that you did not apply for you should report it to your state’s unemployment insurance office.

Unemployment insurance fraud

As has been stated earlier, these cases are usually reported by con artists. Their goal is to use your personal information to file for unemployment benefits. If you receive an unexpected prepaid card for unemployment benefits, if you observe an unexpected payment from your state in your bank account, or if you receive an IRS Form 1099-G for unemployment compensation that you did not apply for, you should report it as quickly as possible to the state unemployment insurance office in your area.

Fake charities

Charity scammers pose as real charitable organizations in order to con money from people who are not aware they are being scammed. Most of the schemes are made to look realistic and timely, for instance, natural disasters, storms, or the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important that University of Chicago workers and retirees should be aware of the charitable groups whose names are similar to those of more known or national companies or organizations. It is always important for any form of donation in any form whether it be cash, gift cards, or electronic funds transfer to try and verify the charity and do not send physical cash. The IRS has a tool on its website at irs.gov/charities-and-nonprofits that can help you determine if an organization is a charity.

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Protecting yourself from scams

Luckily, there are some measures that University of Chicago workers and retirees can take to avoid different types of scams, including those aimed at taxpayers, in order to protect their financial well-being.

Do not click on links in emails, text messages, or instant messaging that are unfamiliar or look suspicious and always get information directly from the government websites.
If you don’t know the number of the person calling you, do not answer the phone; instead, let the call go to voicemail and check who it was later.
Never click on the download button in an email unless you know the source of the email.
Make sure that your hardware and security software are up to date and use strong passwords whenever possible, and where possible, enable multi-factor authentication.
Never send your personal or financial information through email, text message, or telephone in its natural form.

Sources:

1. Internal Revenue Service. 'Taxpayers Should Hang Up If Tax Season Scammers Come Calling.' IRS , 2023. www.irs.gov/newsroom/taxpayers-should-hang-up-if-tax-season-scammers-come-calling .

2. Internal Revenue Service. 'IRS Warns of Holiday Scams, Encourages Protecting Sensitive Personal Information as 9th Annual National Tax Security Awareness Week Starts.' IRS , 2 Dec. 2024. www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-warns-of-holiday-scams-encourages-protecting-sensitive-personal-information .

3. Internal Revenue Service. 'Dirty Dozen: IRS Urges Taxpayers to Not Fall Prey to Untrustworthy Tax Preparers; 'Ghost Preparers' Can Disappear with Taxpayer Cash, Information.' IRS , 5 Apr. 2024. www.irs.gov/newsroom/dirty-dozen-irs-urges-taxpayers-to-not-fall-prey-to-untrustworthy-tax-preparers .

4. Internal Revenue Service. 'Taxpayer Alert as Holidays, Tax Season Approach: Watch Out for Scams, Protect Financial Information; National Tax Security Awareness Week, Day 1 Highlights Important Tips.' IRS , 29 Nov. 2021. www.irs.gov/newsroom/taxpayer-alert-as-holidays-tax-season-approach .

5. Internal Revenue Service. 'Recognize Tax Scams and Fraud.' IRS. www.irs.gov/newsroom/recognize-tax-scams-and-fraud.

What are the eligibility criteria for participation in the SEPP plan for employees of The University of Chicago, and how can factors like years of service and age impact an employee's benefits under this plan? Discuss how these criteria might have changed for new employees post-2016 and what implications this has for retirement planning.

Eligibility Criteria for SEPP: Employees at The University of Chicago become eligible to participate in the SEPP upon meeting age and service requirements: being at least 21 years old and completing one year of service. For employees hired after the plan freeze on October 31, 2016, these criteria have been crucial in determining eligibility for newer employees, impacting their retirement planning as they do not accrue benefits under SEPP beyond this freeze date.

In what ways does the SEPP (Staff Employees Pension Plan) benefit calculation at The University of Chicago reflect an employee's years of service and final average pay? Examine the formulas involved in the benefits determination process, including how outside factors such as Social Security compensation can affect the total pension benefits an employee receives at retirement.

Benefit Calculation Reflecting Service and Pay: The SEPP benefits are calculated based on the final average pay and years of participation, factoring in Social Security covered compensation. Changes post-2016 have frozen benefits accrual, meaning that current employees’ benefits are calculated only up to this freeze date, affecting long-term benefits despite continued employment.

How can employees at The University of Chicago expect their SEPP benefits to be paid out upon their retirement, especially in terms of the options between lump sum distributions and annuities? Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each payment option, and how these choices can impact an employee's financial situation in retirement.

Payout Options (Lump Sum vs. Annuities): Upon retirement, employees can opt for a lump sum payment or annuities. Each option presents financial implications; lump sums provide immediate access to funds but annuities offer sustained income. This choice is significant for financial stability in retirement, particularly under the constraints post the 2016 plan changes.

Can you elaborate on the spousal rights associated with the pension benefits under the SEPP plan at The University of Chicago? Discuss how marital status influences annuity payments and the required spousal consent when considering changes to beneficiary designations.

Spousal Rights in SEPP Benefits: Spouses have rights to pension benefits, requiring spousal consent for altering beneficiary arrangements under the SEPP. Changes post-2016 do not impact these rights, but understanding these is vital for making informed decisions about pension benefits and beneficiary designations.

As an employee nearing retirement at The University of Chicago, what considerations should one keep in mind regarding taxes on pension benefits received from the SEPP? Explore the tax implications of different types of distributions and how they align with current IRS regulations for the 2024 tax year.

Tax Considerations for SEPP Benefits: SEPP distributions are taxable income. Employees must consider the tax implications of their chosen payout method—lump sum or annuities—and plan for potential tax liabilities. This understanding is crucial, especially with the plan’s benefit accrual freeze affecting the retirement timeline.

What resources are available for employees of The University of Chicago wishing to understand more about their retirement benefits under SEPP? Discuss the types of information that can be requested from the Benefits Office and highlight the contact methods for obtaining more detailed assistance.

Resources for Understanding SEPP Benefits: The University provides resources for employees to understand their SEPP benefits, including access to the Benefits Office for personalized queries. Utilizing these resources is essential for employees, especially newer ones post-2016, to fully understand their retirement benefits under the current plan structure.

How does The University of Chicago address benefits for employees upon their death, and what provisions exist for both spouses and non-spouse beneficiaries under the SEPP plan? Analyze the specific benefits and payment structures available to beneficiaries and the conditions under which these benefits are distributed.

Posthumous Benefits: The SEPP includes provisions for spouses and non-spouse beneficiaries, detailing the continuation or lump sum payments upon the death of the employee. Understanding these provisions is crucial for estate planning and ensuring financial security for beneficiaries.

What factors ensure an employee remains fully vested in their pension benefits with The University of Chicago, and how does the vesting schedule affect retirement planning strategies? Consider the implications of not fulfilling the vesting criteria and how this might influence decisions around employment tenure and retirement timing.

Vesting and Retirement Planning: Vesting in SEPP requires three years of service, with full benefits contingent on meeting this criterion. For employees navigating post-2016 changes, understanding vesting is crucial for retirement planning, particularly as no additional benefits accrue beyond the freeze date.

Discuss the impact of a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) on the SEPP benefits for employees at The University of Chicago. How do divorce or separation proceedings influence pension benefits, and what steps should employees take to ensure compliance with a QDRO?

Impact of QDROs on SEPP Benefits: SEPP complies with Qualified Domestic Relations Orders, which can allocate pension benefits to alternate payees. Understanding how QDROs affect one’s benefits is crucial for financial planning, especially in the context of marital dissolution.

How can employees at The University of Chicago, who have questions about their benefits under the SEPP plan, effectively communicate with the Benefits Office for clarity and assistance? Specify the various communication methods available for employees and what kind of information or support they can expect to receive.

Communicating with the Benefits Office: Employees can reach out to the Benefits Office via email or phone for detailed assistance on their SEPP benefits. Effective communication with this office is vital for employees to clarify their benefits status, particularly in light of the post-2016 changes to the plan.