With tax deadline day approaching, the Internal Revenue Service is warning Iowans to beware of a scam that’s resurfaced targeting people who may be descendants of slaves. Janine Meriweather, a special agent with the I-R-S, says people are -not- due any money from the federal government on this issue and there was -no- reparations settlement.mule” A few years ago, many people tried to claim this on their tax returns, saying they were due money and interest from the federal government as their ex-slave ancestors had been promised 40 acres of land and a mule. Meriweather says the claims simply aren’t true and people who put this slavery reparation item on their tax returns could be facing a 500-dollar penalty. She says Iowans may be contacted about this scam in any number of ways. Methods may include mail, e-mail, word of mouth and even through their church. For more information on the scam, consult “www.irs.gov” or call 800 829-1040.
