The Board of Equalization on Tuesday warned taxpayers of a possible phishing email scheme where the email appears to be from a tax agency and states that the taxpayers’ federal Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) payments did not go through.

The email then directs the taxpayer to another Web site for additional information.

The email is not from a tax agency, neither the federal IRS nor the State BOE. Several BOE taxpayers have notified BOE that they are receiving these emails.

Taxpayers should not click on the link or respond to the sender as it may be a phishing scam.

If taxpayers have a question about a BOE EFT payment they may call the BOE Taxpayer Information Section at 800-400-7115 or the BOE’s EFT Helpline at 916-327-4229 to inquire if their payment has been made.

The IRS is aware of this scam and has information available at www.irs.gov/privacy/article/0,,id=226755,00.html.

The BOE is working with the IRS to investigate this situation.

BOE suggests that taxpayers check their bank accounts to verify account status and whether EFT payments have transmitted.

Current normal protocol when EFT payments are returned unpaid is that BOE either makes a phone call to the taxpayer or sends a bill through the mail.

The BOE does not regularly send email notices regarding EFT payment rejections.

The five-member California State Board of Equalization is a publicly elected tax board. The BOE collects more than $48 billion annually in taxes and fees supporting state and local government services. It hears business tax appeals, acts as the appellate body for franchise and personal income tax appeals, and serves a significant role in the assessment and administration of property taxes.

For more information on other taxes and fees in California, visit www.taxes.ca.gov.