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Attorney General, Taxation and Revenue urge taxpayers to be cautious
The New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department and the Attorney General’s Office are warning taxpayers about an operation claiming to be able to help people resolve tax debts.
Some taxpayers with outstanding tax debts are receiving letters claiming that a Distraint Warrant has been issued against the taxpayer. When the taxpayer calls the telephone number listed in the letter, a person answering the phone offers to help the taxpayer resolve the debt.
The Taxation and Revenue Department does not use this method to collect outstanding taxes. Anyone with an outstanding tax debt to the state can call the Department’s Call Center at 1-866-285-2996. Many taxpayers also can set up a payment plan on their own using the Department’s Taxpayer Access Point (TAP) self-service portal at tax.newmexico.gov.
The Attorney General and Taxation and Revenue also advise New Mexicans to be alert to income tax scams now that filing season is underway. Fraudsters often attempt to claim legitimate taxpayers’ refunds through identity theft and other means.
The Department does occasionally reach out to taxpayers to verify information as part of its efforts to fight fraud. In those cases, it will always send a letter, but it may also reach out by phone.
If a taxpayer is suspicious about an inquiry, they can contact the Call Center at 1-866-285-2996 to verify the communication. They also can wait to receive the letter and follow the steps outlined there.
Also, any requested documents can be submitted directly on tax.newmexico.gov using the TAP portal mentioned above, which can help speed resolution of the case.
Taxpayers also are advised to file early and electronically, especially if they are owed a refund.
Anyone who suspects they have encountered fraudulent activity can contact the Department through the Fraud Hotline at 1-866-457-6789 or by email at Tax.Fraud@state.nm.us .