Tax Season Scams

Every tax season, scammers pretend to be the IRS, steal refunds by filing fake returns in workers’ names, and trick payroll staff into sending employees’ W-2s. Knowing how the real IRS contacts you shuts most of these down.

• Everyone
• Employers & payroll

How the real IRS contacts you

• Usually first by mail, with a letter you can verify on IRS.gov.
• The IRS won’t call, text, email or message you on social media demanding immediate payment.
• The IRS won’t demand payment by gift card, wire transfer, payment app or cryptocurrency.
• The IRS won’t threaten to have you arrested or deported.

Common tax scams

• Calls or texts saying you owe taxes and will be arrested
• Texts or emails about a refund or “stimulus” with a link to claim it
• “Ghost” preparers who won’t sign your return or promise huge refunds for a cut
• Emails to payroll staff, appearing to come from the boss, asking for all employees’ W-2s
• Social media tips about fake credits and deductions

Protect yourself

• Get an IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN); anyone can request one, and it blocks others from filing with your Social Security number
• File early, before a criminal can file in your name
• Use a preparer with a valid PTIN who signs your return
• Payroll: verify any request for W-2s or direct deposit changes by phone
• Shred tax documents you don’t need, and keep the rest secure

Report tax scams

• Forward IRS-impersonation emails to phishing@irs.gov.
• Report IRS impersonation calls to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA).
• Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. See Reporting Cybercrime.

Last updated: October 2, 2026