Tax season may come once a year, but scams that misuse the IRS name operate year‑round. Criminals know that anything involving taxes can trigger fear or urgency and use that pressure to convince people to share personal information or send money before they have time to think. IRS impersonation scams remain among the most common and costly forms of fraud, making awareness one of the strongest defenses.
How scammers create pressure and panic
A frequent tactic involves unsolicited phone calls from someone claiming to be an IRS agent. These callers often sound convincing, using fake badge numbers or referencing personal details they’ve gathered elsewhere. Caller ID can even be manipulated to appear as though the call is coming from a government office.
Once they have your attention, scammers escalate to intimidation. They may claim you owe back taxes and must pay immediately through a wire transfer, prepaid debit card, or gift card. Some threaten arrest, deportation, or suspension of a driver’s license. Others leave alarming voicemail messages demanding a callback.
The IRS does not operate this way. They will never demand immediate payment, ask for card numbers over the phone, or threaten law enforcement action. In nearly all cases, the IRS contacts taxpayers first by mail, not by phone, text, or email.
New variations targeting taxpayers
Fraudsters continually adapt their strategies, especially when public attention is focused on tax credits or government payments. Recent schemes include:
- Economic Impact Payment fraud, using official‑sounding emails that link to fake websites.
- Misleading Employee Retention Credit promotions, often spread through social media or counterfeit letters.
- Phony tax refund notices, urging recipients to click a link to “claim” a refund.
- “Fix‑it” text messages, warning of a problem with your return.
- Fake delivery‑service packages, containing letters claiming you have an unclaimed refund.
All rely on creating urgency, so victims act before verifying the source.
The growing risk of tax identity theft
Tax identity theft continues to rise as criminals attempt to file fraudulent returns before legitimate taxpayers do. By stealing W‑2s, year‑end statements, or other income documents, thieves can submit a return in someone else’s name and direct the refund to a prepaid card or alternate address.
If you receive an unexpected IRS notice – especially one referencing wages from an unfamiliar employer – it may signal identity theft. The IRS recommends completing Form 14039, the Identity Theft Affidavit, and providing documentation such as a Social Security card or driver’s license. You may also need to file your return by mail while the issue is resolved.
What to do if you’re contacted by an imposter
If you receive a suspicious call, email, or text:
- Do not share personal information.
- Hang up or delete the message immediately.
- Report the incident to TIGTA or the Federal Trade Commission.
- If you think you may owe taxes, contact the IRS directly using the number on its official website.
Protecting yourself from tax‑related fraud
Staying safe during tax season means protecting your personal information long before your return is filed. Many scams begin with something as simple as a stolen document or an email that looks official.
Be selective about what you keep and discard. Anything containing personal or financial information – pre-approved credit offers, balance‑transfer checks, ATM receipts, canceled checks, or pay stubs – should be shredded once you no longer need it. Monthly bank, credit card, and investment statements should be kept only until reviewed, then destroyed when your year‑end statement arrives. Certain documents, such as estate records, divorce decrees, and retirement plan statements, should be kept permanently. The IRS recommends holding on to tax returns for at least three years.
Reducing paper overall is another safeguard. Opting for digital statements, online banking, and electronic delivery of tax forms limits the amount of sensitive information in your mailbox. When filing online, use secure, trusted platforms and ensure your computer’s security software is up to date.
Scammers frequently impersonate the IRS, so treat any unexpected call, email, or text with caution. The IRS does not request personal information through electronic communication, and paper returns should never be left in unsecured outgoing mail.
Monitoring your financial accounts regularly can help you spot suspicious activity early. Many banks offer alerts for large or unusual transactions. If the IRS rejects your return because one has already been filed under your name, contact the IRS Identity Theft department immediately.
Remaining organized, skeptical of unsolicited contact, and proactive about your information security is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself during tax season.
Report IRS Scams:
- Report IRS Impersonation: Click Here
- Report to IRS: Report any incident to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) at 800-366-4484 or at https://www.tigta.gov.
- I.D. Theft Issues: Contact IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 800-908-4490 to secure your tax account.
