Recognize tax scams and fraud

You can avoid falling victim to a tax scam. Know what to watch out for and how the IRS contacts you.

Tax scam warning signs

Scammers mislead you about tax refunds, credits and payments. They pressure you for money, personal, financial or employee information. IRS impersonators try to look like us.

Watch out for:

  • A big payday - If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Bad tax advice on social media could urge you to falsify tax forms or credit claims.
  • Demands or threats - Impersonators want you to pay “now or else.” They threaten arrest or deportation.
  • Website links - Odd or misspelled web links can take you to malicious sites instead of IRS.gov.

Impersonators don’t let you question or appeal the amount of tax you owe. Know your taxpayer rights.

How to know it’s the IRS

Here’s how to know it’s really us contacting you:

  • Email - We email you only with your permission.

  • Mail - Typically, we contact you first by U.S. mail. Most IRS letters include a letter or number. To verify it’s us, search for a letter or notice. Some letters might be from IRS-assigned private debt collection agencies.

  • Social media - You can follow us, but we never contact you about your taxes on social media. Check with a trusted tax professional.

  • Text message - We only send you text messages with your permission.

  • Website - Our official web address is IRS.gov.

  • Phone call - Typically, we mail you first. We might call about an audit or to verify information.

  • Fax - Sometimes we send a fax to verify employment or request reported income or withholdings.

  • In-person visit - Generally, we notify you by mail before we visit your home or business.

How to know it’s really the IRS

How to know it's an IRS official

Common tax scams

Be aware of the telltale signs of tax scams.

Incorrect information on how to get a bigger refund misleads you to claim credits you’re not eligible for. This leads to a delayed refund, audit or other consequences like fines or imprisonment.

Dishonest or uninformed tax preparers misrepresent rules for claiming credits. Aggressive advertising, mail and online sources mislead you to file an incorrect return. They charge large, upfront fees or a fee based on your refund amount.

Clean energy tax credits:

Employee Retention Credit (ERC):

Fuel Tax Credit:

Sick and Family Leave credits; Schedule H refund:

Scammers want to “help” you file casualty loss claims or get big tax refunds. Impersonators claim to work for or on behalf of the IRS.

Don’t trust a tax preparer who:

  • Doesn’t sign the return
  • Falsifies tax information
  • Puts your refund in their bank account
  • Requires you to pay in cash or doesn’t give you a receipt

IRS reminds taxpayers: Choose a tax professional carefully

Scammers target people over age 65 or nearing retirement for personal or financial information or money. Often, once you give them money, they ask for more. When scammers trick you to withdraw from your retirement account, there may be tax implications.

People pressure you to use their services to settle taxes you owe. They promise to relieve your tax debt for “pennies-on-the-dollar.” They rush you to pay them for this service.

You can settle your tax debt directly with us if you’re eligible for an offer in compromise (OIC).

IRS “dirty dozen” list warns people to watch out for Offer in Compromise ‘mills’ where promoters claim their services are needed to settle IRS debts.

If Box 1 of Form 1099-G, Certain Government Payments PDF, shows unemployment compensation you didn’t get, you may be a victim of identity theft. Criminals can use your information to file fake unemployment claims, leaving you with taxable income to report.

Identity theft and unemployment benefits​​​​​

Scammers send you a tax bill to trick you into paying them.

Taxpayers shouldn’t let gift card scammers ruin the holidays

Related

If you were scammed
Report a tax scam or fraud
About Criminal Investigation
Choosing a tax professional
Dirty dozen tax scams
Identity Theft Central
Payments we accept
Report phishing