Stay Alert for Tax Scams
Recognize tax scams and Fraud
During tax season, scammers will attempt to mislead you about tax refunds, credits and payments. They may pressure you for personal, financial and/or employment information to attempt to get your refunds.
The IRS does not initiate contact by email, text or social media to request personal or financial information.
Signs to look out for:
Big Payday- If someone promises a large return, they may be attempting to convince you to lie on your tax forms or mislead you on the credits you can claim.
Threats and/or demands- Scammers and impersonators may threaten arrest or deportation if you do not comply with them. They will not give you an opportunity to question what amount you owe or how to pay.
Website links- Odd or misspelled web links can take you to harmful sites instead of the true IRS.gov site. It is best to not click any links claiming to be from the IRS.
If you received a notice from the IRS
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Make sure it is from the IRS, the IRS will only send a letter through the mail in regards to your taxes.
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Follow the instructions in the letter. Keep records of all contacts and copies of any letters you send.
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File your tax return and pay any taxes you owe. If your return is rejected because someone already filed with your Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN), report it to the IRS.
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If these steps don't resolve your situation, call 800-908-4490 for assistance, available 6 a.m.-6 p.m. CT.
For more information: https://www.irs.gov/help/tax-scams/recognize-tax-scams-and-fraud
Report any tax scam or fraud here: https://www.irs.gov/help/tax-scams/report-a-tax-scam-or-fraud
Some additional sources on tax scams can be found below:
https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/01/irs-doesnt-send-tax-refunds-email-or-text
https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/irs/?intcmp=AE-FWN-LIB2-POS13