The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is warning Americans about a surge in IRS email scams designed to trick taxpayers into giving up personal or financial information. Officials say the schemes, including fake phone calls and text messages, are growing more sophisticated as tax season begins.

How Tax Scams Target Taxpayers Nationwide

Phishing Email Tactics Used by Scammers

The IRS says criminals are sending phishing emails and fake notices that look official but are actually attempts to steal financial information. Many include a website link or attachment designed to collect confidential information, such as Social Security numbers, driver’s license details, or bank account information. Some messages use urgent subject lines to pressure victims into action.

Phone Calls and Text Messages Designed to Steal Data

Taxpayers are also targeted through fake phone calls or threatening text messages. Scammers often claim the recipient will face criminal charges or owe taxes unless they make an immediate payment. Caller ID can be manipulated so it appears that the IRS contacts taxpayers, when in fact the call is from a fraudster.

Email Claiming Refunds or Demanding Immediate Payment

Another common tactic involves an email claiming the recipient is due a refund or must immediately pay a tax debt. These scams may demand a specific payment method, such as a wire transfer or prepaid debit card, neither of which the IRS uses. Messages may include fake security symbols like a locked padlock icon or pages marked “page last reviewed or updated” to create a false sense of legitimacy.

Why Tax Preparers and Professionals Are at Risk

Stolen Information Leading to Tax Debt Problems

Fraudsters often target tax preparers because they manage sensitive records for multiple clients. A single breach can expose other financial accounts, leading to fraudulent returns or false claims and unexpected tax debt for victims. Criminals may also attempt to exploit valuable information stored in accounting systems during tax season.

Identity Theft Cases Linked to IRS Scam Attempts

The IRS warns that falling for an IRS scam can quickly escalate into identity theft. Stolen PINs or entered confidential information may allow criminals to file a false tax return or reroute a taxpayer’s legitimate refund. Victims often face long delays in clearing fraudulent claims and restoring their financial records, a process that can immediately bring hardship and stress.

Social Media and Fake Charities Used in IRS Scams

Social Media Posts Exploiting Tax Season

The IRS has cautioned that tax scammers are increasingly active on social media channels, using misleading social media posts to spread fraudulent content. These often include links that promise fast refunds or claim to help those who owe money to the government. The posts are designed to trick people into giving up confidential information.

How Criminals Spread Links Through Social Media Channels

Scammers also use fake nonprofit appeals and fake charities to reach taxpayers during tax season. Messages may direct people to click a link or provide details like contact information, which can be exploited to commit fraud. Some schemes use scanned images or professional branding to make the appeals look legitimate, but they often include requests for donations through unsafe channels, such as a wire transfer.

IRS Guidance on Protecting Financial Information

How the IRS Contacts Taxpayers Safely

The IRS stresses that it will never initiate contact with taxpayers through unsolicited emails, unpermitted text messages, or direct social media messages. While the IRS — or authorized private collection agencies — may call taxpayers to address account matters, the agency will never call to demand immediate payment, threaten arrest, or notify you of a refund. 

Official IRS correspondence typically begins by mail, and taxpayers can also verify account information through the official IRS website. Taxpayers should be cautious of any message that requests sensitive data such as Social Security numbers, driver's license details, or bank account information.

Reporting Suspicious Email Claiming to Be From the IRS

If taxpayers receive an email claiming to be from the IRS, they should not reply, click any links, or open attachments. Instead, they should forward the email as an attachment — or send a copy of the email header — to phishing@irs.gov. Suspicious IRS-related phone calls should be reported to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). 

Social media accounts impersonating the IRS should first be reported to the platform itself and then to phishing@irs.gov. Reports may also be filed with the Federal Trade Commission. Taking these steps helps the government identify and shut down fraudulent activity before more taxpayers are affected.

IRS Warns Taxpayers of New Email and Phone Scams

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued guidance on IRS email scams and other tax scams that misuse phishing emails and fake notices, text messages, and social media to steal personal or financial information. The IRS never emails or texts without permission and never sends direct messages through social media. While the IRS or authorized private collection agencies may call about account matters, they will never call to demand immediate payment, threaten arrest, or inform you of a refund. 

Suspicious emails should be forwarded to phishing@irs.gov; suspicious calls should be reported to TIGTA; and fraudulent social media accounts should be reported to the platform and to phishing@irs.gov.

By William Mc Lee, Editor-in-Chief & Tax Expert—Get Tax Relief Now