Tax Scams to Watch Out for This Year—And How to Stay Safe

Just as sure as taxes are the tax scams that pop up this time of year. From bad tax advice on social media to emails offering instant tax refunds, fraudsters work it from every angle. Watch for these scams and share this advice with your family and friends too.

"Guaranteed refund in a day"

If you receive a message promising to expedite your refund for a fee, it's a scam. Legit tax preparers never ask for upfront payment to expedite a refund. The IRS has standard processing times for refunds—nobody can speed that up.

The IRS only uses mail

The IRS does NOT initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages or social media channels to request personal or financial information. This includes requests for a PIN, passwords, or similar access information for credit cards, banks or other financial accounts. If you get a text, email or voicemail claiming to be the IRS, it's a scam.

Protect your personal information

If you're working with a tax preparer, never email them your personal information or documents without password securing the attachments. Safer yet, ask your tax preparer to provide you with a way to upload documents securely. If they can't or won't, consider choosing a preparer who will. If you are e-filing your return, only use a secure computer. Never use public wifi to file your taxes.

Set up your own IRS account

If someone contacts you offering to help you set up an online account with the IRS for free or a charge, it's a scam. The scammer is attempting to steal your sensitive information such as your Social Security number or photo ID. Set up your own IRS account for free on the IRS website, and contact the IRS directly if you need help.

Our Security Resource Center has more information and details to help you avoid tax scams. Simply enter "tax" into the search box to find information on tax scams, how to report them, and ways to protect yourself. This article shares clues on how to know if someone may have stolen your identity and is fraudulently filing for tax refunds posing as you. Signs include getting a refund before you file, receiving a tax transcript you didn't request, or an IRS notification that more than one tax return was filed in your name.

Don't let tax time be more taxing than it has to. Take a breath, plan ahead, and be wary of scams.