Yes, tax refund scams are active every filing season
Tax refund scams are real and they run year-round, but spike during tax season (January through April). The IRS and state tax agencies warn about them constantly because they work—scammers take millions from people who think they are dealing with the government or a legitimate tax preparer.
The most common versions pretend to be the IRS calling you, texting you, or emailing you about a refund. Others pose as tax preparation companies or claim to offer "refund advances" or loans. Some target tax preparers themselves, trying to get access to client files. The core trick is always the same: create urgency and fear, then ask for money, personal information, or access to your account.
The IRS has never and will never contact you first by phone, email, or text about a refund. If someone claiming to be from the IRS reaches out to you, it is a scam.
Key Takeaways
- The IRS does not initiate contact by phone, email, or text—any unsolicited message claiming to be from the IRS is a scam.
- Scammers often create false urgency by claiming your refund is delayed, your account is locked, or you owe money immediately.
- Never give your Social Security number, bank account details, or passwords to anyone who contacts you first, regardless of what they claim.
- If you suspect a scam, report it to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov or to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- Legitimate tax preparers do not ask for payment upfront or promise a refund before filing your return.
How tax refund scams contact you
Scammers reach people through phone calls, text messages, emails, and social media. A phone call claiming to be from the IRS is the most common version. The caller may say your refund is delayed, your return was flagged for review, or you owe back taxes. They create pressure by saying they need information "right now" or threatening arrest or license suspension.
Text and email scams often include a link that looks like it goes to IRS.gov but actually goes to a fake website designed to steal your login credentials. The message may say your account is locked, your identity was compromised, or you need to "verify" your information to release your refund.
Some scams target people who have already filed. They send a fake refund status page or claim the IRS needs to correct an error on your return. Others pose as tax preparation companies and offer "refund advances"—loans against your expected refund that charge high fees and interest.
What scammers ask for and why
Scammers want your Social Security number, date of birth, bank account number, routing number, or credit card details. They may also ask for your PIN, password, or answers to security questions. Once they have this information, they can file a false tax return in your name, drain your bank account, or open credit accounts.
Some scams ask you to pay a fee "to release" your refund or to cover "processing costs." Others ask you to buy gift cards and read the codes over the phone, or to wire money to an account. Any request for payment before you receive a refund is a scam—the IRS does not charge fees to process refunds, and legitimate tax preparers do not ask for payment before filing.
A few scams target tax preparers directly. They send emails posing as the IRS or a software company, asking for access to client files or login credentials. If you prepare taxes for others, be especially cautious about unsolicited emails asking you to verify information or update software.
Red flags that separate scams from real IRS contact
The IRS initiates contact only by mail, never by phone, email, or text. If someone contacts you first claiming to be from the IRS, it is a scam. Period. The IRS also does not threaten arrest, license suspension, or deportation as an immediate consequence. Real tax issues are handled through the mail and through the court system, not over the phone.
Legitimate IRS mail comes from an IRS office address and includes a specific notice number. It does not include a link to click or a number to call. If you receive a letter you think is from the IRS, you can verify it by calling the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 or by visiting IRS.gov and looking up the notice number.
Scammers often create false urgency: "Your refund will be cancelled," "You have 24 hours to respond," "Act now or face penalties." Real tax matters do not work this way. The IRS sends notices and gives you time to respond. If you are unsure whether a notice is real, contact the IRS yourself using a phone number from IRS.gov, not from the notice or message.
What to do if you think you have been targeted
If you receive a suspicious call, text, email, or letter claiming to be from the IRS, do not respond and do not click any links. Hang up the phone. Do not call the number in the message—scammers can spoof IRS phone numbers. Instead, call the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 to report it and to ask whether the IRS has actually contacted you about your return.
Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. You can also report phishing emails to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov. If you received a text, forward it to 7726 (SPAM). These reports help law enforcement track scam patterns and shut down operations.
If you gave the scammer your personal information, act quickly. Place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) by calling one of them—they will notify the others. You can also place a credit freeze, which prevents new accounts from being opened in your name. Monitor your credit report for accounts you did not open, and watch your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized charges.
Protecting yourself during tax season
File your tax return as early as possible. Scammers sometimes file false returns in your name to claim your refund before you do. If you file first, the IRS will reject the fraudulent return. You can also set up an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) through the IRS, which prevents anyone else from filing a return using your Social Security number. You can request an IP PIN at IRS.gov.
Use a tax preparer you know and trust, or prepare your return yourself using IRS-approved software. If you use a preparer, never pay upfront or agree to a "refund advance." Legitimate preparers charge a fee based on the complexity of your return, and they charge you after the work is done. Do not use a preparer who guarantees a specific refund amount or promises to maximize your refund through aggressive deductions.
Keep your computer and phone secure. Use strong, unique passwords for your bank and email accounts. Enable two-factor authentication on accounts that offer it. Do not use public Wi-Fi to access your bank account or tax information. Be cautious about emails and texts, especially during tax season—scammers send thousands of messages hoping some will land.
If your identity was used to file a false return
If you discover that someone filed a tax return using your Social Security number, contact the IRS immediately. Call 1-800-829-1040 and explain the situation. The IRS has a process for handling identity theft cases and will issue you an IP PIN to prevent it from happening again.
File your own return as soon as you can, even if you have to file by mail. Include a copy of your police report if you filed one. The IRS will investigate and correct the fraudulent return. This process can take time—sometimes several months—but the IRS will work with you to resolve it.
You should also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov. This creates an official record and may help you if the scammer opened accounts in your name or caused other damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the IRS call me about my refund?
No. The IRS does not call, text, or email people about refunds. If someone claiming to be from the IRS contacts you first, it is a scam. The IRS communicates by mail only. If you have questions about your refund, you call the IRS—they do not call you.
What should I do if I already gave a scammer my bank account number?
Contact your bank immediately and tell them your account information may have been compromised. Ask them to watch for unauthorized withdrawals and consider closing the account and opening a new one. Also place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus and monitor your credit report for accounts you did not open.
Is it safe to click a link in a text that says it is from the IRS?
No. The IRS does not send text messages. Any text claiming to be from the IRS is a scam. Do not click the link. Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) to report it to your phone carrier and the FTC.
Can a tax preparer offer me a refund advance?
Some tax preparers do offer refund advances or "refund anticipation loans," but these are not from the IRS—they are loans from the preparer or a third-party lender. They charge fees and interest, which means you receive less money than your actual refund. It is usually better to wait for your refund from the IRS, which is free.
How do I know if a tax preparer is legitimate?
Legitimate tax preparers have a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN), which you can verify on IRS.gov. They do not may provide a specific refund amount, do not charge upfront fees, and do not pressure you to claim deductions you are unsure about. If a preparer seems too good to be true, find someone else.