“Dirty Dozen” Tax Scams to Watch For PG&E Employees

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Pacific Gas & Electric The primary healthcare provider for employees of Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) is often covered under large insurance carriers that offer comprehensive plans, including offerings from Blue Cross Blue Shield and UnitedHealthcare; the exact provider may vary depending on the employee's specific plan and regional options available. Projected Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we look ahead to 2026, healthcare costs are anticipated to rise significantly due to a combination of factors. Insurers are reporting average premium increases that could exceed 20%, driven largely by ongoing inflation in healthcare services and the potential expiration of enhanced subsidies provided under the Affordable Care Act. This perfect storm of rising medical costs and diminished financial support could shock many consumers, with estimates suggesting that out-of-pocket premiums might surge by as much as 75% for individuals reliant on marketplace plans. As such, both employees and employers within PG&E should prepare for heightened expenses, taking proactive steps now to mitigate potential financial impacts. Click here to learn more

Every year the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) releases its list of tax scams, spotlighting the myriad ways that people try to separate you from your money.¹

The “Dirty Dozen”

Identity Theft

Using your personal information, an identity thief can file a fraudulent tax return and claim a refund. If you’ve been a victim of stolen personal information, you can contact the IRS so the agency can protect your tax account.

Phishing

Be wary of fake emails or websites looking to steal your personal information. If you receive a request for information that appears to be from the IRS, contact the IRS directly to verify the request.

Telephone Scams

Scammers will contact you pretending to be from the IRS. They may say that you are due a large refund or owe money (even threatening arrest or revocation of your driver’s license). If you receive such a call, call the IRS and contact the Federal Trade Commission using their “FTC Complaint Assistant” at FTC.gov.

Inflated Refund Claims

Tax preparers promising inflated returns may ask clients to sign a blank return or charge fees based on a percentage of the refund. Beware of phony storefronts or preparers advertising through word-of-mouth to community groups where trust is high.

Return Preparer Fraud

Dishonest preparers may use tax preparation as an excuse to steal your personal information, so only use a preparer who signs the return and has an IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number.

Hiding Income Offshore

The IRS has strengthened its ability to identify offshore holdings, and the failure to report them will be costly.

Impersonation of Charitable Organizations

Fraudulent charities raise money or obtain private information from individuals looking to help. Donate only to recognized charities, and beware of charities whose names sound similar to the well-known ones.

False Income, Expenses or Exemptions

Falsifying your tax return is a high risk, low reward exercise, especially in this age of Big Data.

Frivolous Arguments

Ignore promoters of frivolous arguments that promise you tax relief. Not only are they expected to fail, but you may be subjected to penalties and possible jail time.

Falsely Padding Deductions or Returns 

Dishonestly reporting deductions to reduce tax bills or inflate refunds may open you up to penalties and prosecution.

Abusive Tax Structures

If someone is proposing to eliminate or substantially reduce your taxes through complex tax structures, walk away—they may be offering nothing more than illegal tax evasion.

Excessive Claims for Business Tax Credits

This happens when taxpayers or their tax preparers improperly claim the research credit or the fuel tax credit, which is generally limited to off-highway uses, such as farming.

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting: