Massachusetts Tax Letters That Look Like Scams But Are Actually Real

Filing early felt like a win. If you listen to The MGM Show on Fun 107, you might have heard me talking about how proud I am of myself for finally filing my taxes way ahead of time. Instead of sweating it out close to the April 15 deadline as we usually do, my wife and I filed our taxes in early February. I can’t tell you how great it was to have that task off our backs so early in the year.

The Letter That Raised Red Flags

We filed electronically, and I didn’t think much about it after that. Then, the following month, we got a letter in the mail from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. I initially thought it was a refund check, but then I remembered I had set up direct deposit.

The letter stated that the Commonwealth couldn’t verify the ID number shown on my tax return, so I would have to submit a copy of my Social Security card and my license in order to process the return.

Why It Felt Like a Scam

It’s a scam, I immediately thought. Hackers are trying to steal my identity. I called our tax preparer, Diane Lopes, who assured me the letter was legitimate and that there had been a flurry of these notices sent out. She speculated it might have something to do with February’s blizzard.

Do You Really Need to Send Your Information?

As someone who has had the same job for the past 31 years, I can’t tell you the last time I saw my Social Security card. I cringed at the thought of how difficult it would be to replace, and I procrastinated for a couple of weeks before finally deciding to take on what I thought would be a monumental chore.

The Process Was Surprisingly Easy

I was so wrong.

I filled out the form using the link, and less than a week later I had my new Social Security card in hand. While there were (rightfully so) a number of steps required to verify my identity, the process truly wasn’t as difficult as you might think.

Sometimes technology isn’t so bad.

If you get one of these letters and you have been sitting on it, just get it done and check it off your list. I promise it’s not terrible.