State warns residents about tax debt fraud

The Kansas Department of Revenue is warning taxpayers about fraud schemes involving tax debt.

The department announced this week that the schemes in question involve a phone call or a letter threatening taxpayers with garnishment if they do not pay a tax debt. If taxpayers fall for the scheme, any money they pay out will be lost, the state said.

“We urge people to be cautious when they are contacted about a tax debt by anyone other than the Kansas Department of Revenue. If they are not sure if the caller or letter is legitimate, people should call the department to verify the information,” Jeff Scott, who leads the department’s Compliance Enforcement Bureau, said in a news release.

All letters from the Kansas Department of Revenue will be on department letterhead and callers from department staff will identify themselves.

If people need to verify the legitimacy of a phone call or tax debt letter, they can call the department at 785-296-6121.