The IRS does not send text messages about tax refunds

The Internal Revenue Service does not contact taxpayers by text message about refunds, tax accounts, or payment status. If you receive a text claiming to be from the IRS about your refund, it is a scam. The IRS communicates by mail only — never by text, email, or phone call initiated by them.

Scammers use text messages to trick people into clicking links or providing personal information. These messages often claim your refund is delayed, ready for pickup, or requires action. They may ask you to "verify" your Social Security number, bank account, or login credentials. Clicking the link or responding puts your identity and money at risk.

The only legitimate way to check your refund status is through the IRS website, the IRS2Go mobile app, or by calling the IRS directly at the number on your tax return or IRS.gov — never a number from a text message.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS never initiates contact by text message, email, or phone call about refunds or tax accounts.
  • Text messages claiming to be from the IRS about your refund are scams designed to steal your personal information or money.
  • Check your refund status only through IRS.gov, the IRS2Go app, or by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.
  • If you receive a suspicious text, do not click any links, do not reply, and do not provide any personal information.
  • Report scam text messages to the IRS by forwarding them to 202-552-1226 or reporting them through the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) website.

How to check your refund status safely

The IRS provides three legitimate ways to track your refund without waiting for mail or responding to unsolicited messages. The fastest method is Where's My Refund?, a tool on IRS.gov that updates once per day and shows the status of your federal return. You will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your tax return.

The IRS2Go mobile app offers the same information as the website and sends you push notifications when your refund status changes — but only if you turn on notifications within the app yourself. This is the only legitimate notification method from the IRS. You download the app directly from Apple App Store or Google Play, not from a link in a text message.

You can also call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 during business hours. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount ready. Wait times are longest in the first two weeks of tax season and shortest in late summer.

What real IRS contact looks like

The IRS initiates contact by mail only. If the IRS needs information from you, you will receive a letter in your mailbox with an official IRS letterhead, a specific notice number, and instructions on what to do. The letter will have a mailing address where you send documents, not a phone number or link to click.

If the IRS owes you money, they mail a check or deposit it directly to your bank account — whichever method you chose on your tax return. They do not text you to confirm your bank details or ask you to "verify" your account. They do not send links to claim your refund online.

Legitimate IRS mail may ask you to provide documents, respond to a notice, or take action, but it always gives you a deadline and a mailing address. It never asks for passwords, PINs, or full account numbers in the letter itself.

How to recognize and report refund scams

Scam text messages about refunds usually follow a pattern. They claim your refund is ready, delayed, or requires action. They include a link that looks like it goes to the IRS but actually goes to a fake website designed to look like IRS.gov. They may ask you to "confirm" your identity, update your banking information, or download an app.

Red flags include misspelled words, poor grammar, urgent language ("act now," "claim today"), and requests for information the real IRS would never ask for by text. The IRS will never ask for your full Social Security number, PIN, password, or complete bank account number via text or email.

If you receive a suspicious text, forward it to 202-552-1226 (TIGTA's SMS number) and delete it. You can also report it through the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) website at tigta.gov. Do not click links, do not reply to the message, and do not call any phone number in the text.

What to do if you clicked a scam link

If you clicked a link in a scam text message, stop and take action immediately. Change your password for any account you use with that email address or phone number. If you entered your Social Security number, bank account information, or login credentials, contact your bank and credit card companies to report the breach.

Place a fraud alert on your credit report by contacting one of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. You only need to contact one; they will notify the others. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.

File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov. The FTC does not investigate individual cases but uses reports to identify patterns and shut down scam operations. Keep a record of the text message, the date you received it, and any actions you took in response.

Refund timing and what to expect instead

Most federal tax refunds are issued within 21 days of the IRS receiving your return. If you filed electronically and chose direct deposit, the refund arrives in your bank account. If you chose a paper check, it arrives by mail — timing varies by location but typically takes one to three weeks after the IRS processes your return.

During the first few weeks of tax season (January through mid-February), refunds may take longer because the IRS processes millions of returns at once. If your return requires review — for example, if you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit — the IRS may hold your refund for additional verification, which can add two to four weeks.

You will not receive a text, email, or phone call to tell you your refund is on the way. The only notification you should expect is a push notification from the IRS2Go app if you turned on notifications, or a letter if the IRS needs more information from you.

State refund scams and how they differ

State tax refunds follow similar patterns to federal refunds, but state revenue departments also do not contact by text. However, scammers sometimes impersonate state tax agencies because people are less familiar with how state refunds work. The same rules apply: no text messages, no unsolicited emails, no phone calls initiated by the state.

Check your state refund status through your state's revenue or taxation department website. Most states have a refund tracker similar to the IRS's Where's My Refund? tool. Search "[your state] tax refund status" to find the official website for your state.

If you receive a text claiming to be from your state tax agency, treat it as a scam. Forward it to your state's revenue department if they provide a reporting method, and report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the IRS send me a text if I set up two-factor authentication?

No. The IRS does not use text messages for any purpose, including two-factor authentication or account verification. If you set up an account on IRS.gov, the IRS may send you an email to verify your identity, but never a text message. Any text claiming to be from the IRS is a scam.

What if the text message came from a number that looks like it's from the IRS?

Scammers can spoof phone numbers to make texts appear to come from official sources. A number that looks official does not mean the message is real. The IRS does not send texts, period. If you are unsure, go directly to IRS.gov or call 1-800-829-1040 using the number on your tax return or official IRS materials.

Is it safe to click the link if the text looks professional?

No. Professional-looking scam messages are common. Scammers copy the IRS logo, use official language, and create fake websites that look nearly identical to IRS.gov. Do not click any link in a text message claiming to be from the IRS. Instead, open a web browser and go directly to IRS.gov by typing the address yourself.

What happens if I gave my bank account number to a scammer?

Contact your bank immediately and tell them you may have shared your account number with a scammer. Ask them to monitor your account for unauthorized activity and consider closing the account and opening a new one. Also contact your credit card companies, place a fraud alert on your credit report, and file a report with the FTC.

How do I know if my refund is actually delayed?

Check Where's My Refund? on IRS.gov or use the IRS2Go app. If your status shows "still processing" after 21 days, your return may need additional review. You can also call 1-800-829-1040. Do not trust any text message claiming your refund is delayed — always verify through official IRS channels.