The Internal Revenue Service soon will be doing its phone survey of small businesses and owners. That’s on the up-and-up. But be careful if the caller says he’s the Tax Man but starts asking fishy questions.

The IRS warns that identity thieves often use the survey as a cover to get info out of those who get called. Here’s what to look for from scammers:

• They’ll say you’re obligated to answer. Not true; the survey is voluntary.
• They’ll call without notice. Anyone being asked to participate first will be contacted by the IRS’s contractor, Pacific Market Research.
• They’ll ask for personal financial or identification information, such as Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number. The IRS doesn’t require release of any such information for the survey.

The official survey is mainly for taxpayers who file forms 1120, 1120S, 1065 and 1040 with Schedules C, E or F. The call should take no more than 20 minutes, and the agency should be wrapping up all calls by mid-April.

Get more info here.