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Top 8 IRS Scams: How to Spot Them and Fight Back
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Scammers are especially active during tax filing season, but it pays to be vigilant year-round.
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5 years of experience Expertise Taxes InvestingSabrina Parys is an editor and content strategist on the taxes and investing team at NerdWallet. Previously, she was a copy editor and associate editor in academic and educational publishing. Sabrina graduated from CUNY Hunter College with bachelor's degree in English. She also holds a master's degree in book publishing from Portland State University. Sabrina is based in Brooklyn, New York.
Sabrina Parys is an editor and content strategist on the taxes and investing team at NerdWallet. Previously, she was a copy editor and associate editor in academic and educational publishing. Sabrina graduated from CUNY Hunter College with bachelor's degree in English. She also holds a master's degree in book publishing from Portland State University. Sabrina is based in Brooklyn, New York. Published in Editor & Content Strategist + more + more
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19 years of experience Expertise Retirement planning investment management investment accountsArielle O’Shea leads the investing, advisory and taxes content teams at NerdWallet. She has covered personal finance and investing for 20 years, and was a senior writer and spokesperson at NerdWallet before becoming an editor. Previously, she was a researcher and reporter for leading personal finance journalist and author Jean Chatzky, a role that included developing financial education programs, interviewing subject matter experts and helping to produce television and radio segments. Arielle has appeared on the "Today" show, NBC News and ABC's "World News Tonight," and has been quoted in national publications including The New York Times, MarketWatch and Bloomberg News. She is based in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Arielle O’Shea leads the investing, advisory and taxes content teams at NerdWallet. She has covered personal finance and investing for 20 years, and was a senior writer and spokesperson at NerdWallet before becoming an editor. Previously, she was a researcher and reporter for leading personal finance journalist and author Jean Chatzky, a role that included developing financial education programs, interviewing subject matter experts and helping to produce television and radio segments. Arielle has appeared on the "Today" show, NBC News and ABC's "World News Tonight," and has been quoted in national publications including The New York Times, MarketWatch and Bloomberg News. She is based in Charlottesville, Virginia. Published in Head of Content, Investing & Taxes + more + more
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2 years of experience Expertise Investing basics Personal income taxesBella Avila is an editor and content strategist on the investing and taxes team at NerdWallet. Previously, she was a copy editing intern at NerdWallet through the Dow Jones News Fund internship program. Bella graduated from The University of Oklahoma with a bachelor's degree in journalism. She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Bella Avila is an editor and content strategist on the investing and taxes team at NerdWallet. Previously, she was a copy editing intern at NerdWallet through the Dow Jones News Fund internship program. Bella graduated from The University of Oklahoma with a bachelor's degree in journalism. She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Editor & Content Strategist + more + moreIRS scams involve criminals impersonating IRS agents, other government employees or debt collectors in an effort to trick you into sending them money for taxes, penalties or fees you don't actually owe. Typically, these scams play out over the phone, text, online or via the mail.
IRS scams involve criminals impersonating IRS agents, other government employees or debt collectors in an effort to trick you into sending them money for taxes, penalties or fees you don't actually owe. Typically, these scams play out over the phone, text, online or via the mail.Here’s a list of recent IRS scams, tips on how to spot one and where to report fraudulent activity.
Here’s a list of recent IRS scams, tips on how to spot one and where to report fraudulent activity.The latest IRS scams
The latest IRS scams1. Social media scams
1. Social media scamsSubmitting false information to the IRS could land you in serious trouble. An honest mistake, such as a typo or forgetting to include income from a stray 1099, can be remedied by filing an amended tax return, but falsifying information or altogether making numbers up in hopes of getting a larger-than-life refund is a big no-no. The agency could hit you with substantial penalties, including a $5,000 fine or even criminal charges
Submitting false information to the IRS could land you in serious trouble. An honest mistake, such as a typo or forgetting to include income from a stray 1099, can be remedied by filing an amended tax return , but falsifying information or altogether making numbers up in hopes of getting a larger-than-life refund is a big no-no. The agency could hit you with substantial penalties, including a $5,000 fine or even criminal charges Internal Revenue Service. IRS warns taxpayers of new filing season scams involving Form W-2 wages. .Taxpayers who encounter social media scams encouraging them to input false information, incorrectly claim credits they do not qualify for, or claim household employees who do not exist should understand that these too-good-to-be-true schemes are exactly that. And remember, the IRS also gets a copy of your W-2 from your employer, so it can easily check what you submit against what your employer turned in.
Taxpayers who encounter social media scams encouraging them to input false information, incorrectly claim credits they do not qualify for, or claim household employees who do not exist should understand that these too-good-to-be-true schemes are exactly that. And remember, the IRS also gets a copy of your W-2 from your employer, so it can easily check what you submit against what your employer turned in.2. IRS account sign-up scam
2. IRS account sign-up scamSetting up an online account with the IRS can get you access to valuable information, such as your payment history or a tax transcript. You can even sign up for and/or manage an IRS payment plan through the system. The agency warns taxpayers to be especially wary of anyone who attempts to help them set up an account, though. Scammers may be attempting to steal sensitive information — such as Social Security numbers, tax identification numbers or photo IDs — under the guise of helpfulness. You can set up an online IRS account by yourself for free on the agency's website, and if you require assistance, work directly with the IRS
Setting up an online account with the IRS can get you access to valuable information, such as your payment history or a tax transcript . You can even sign up for and/or manage an IRS payment plan through the system. The agency warns taxpayers to be especially wary of anyone who attempts to help them set up an account, though. Scammers may be attempting to steal sensitive information — such as Social Security numbers, tax identification numbers or photo IDs — under the guise of helpfulness. You can set up an online IRS account by yourself for free on the agency's website, and if you require assistance, work directly with the IRS Internal Revenue Service. Dirty Dozen tax scams for 2025: IRS warns taxpayers to watch out for dangerous threats. Accessed Mar 6, 2025. . AD Owe $10,000+ or More? This Tax Season Could Be Your Chance to Qualify Each year the IRS writes off millions in tax debt, yet few have applied. Learn moreon Anthem Tax Services' website
AD Owe $10,000+ in IRS Back Taxes? Get Trusted Tax Help Today BBB Accredited, $500M+ tax debt resolved, free consultation. Learn moreon Alleviate Tax's website
3. Donation and charity scams
3. Donation and charity scamsGenerosity can go a long way on your taxes: Itemizers are generally able to write off a certain amount of charitable contributions or donations as deductible expenses. The key to taking advantage of this deduction properly? Make sure the organization you're donating to is an IRS-recognized charity — and take extra steps to confirm so.
Generosity can go a long way on your taxes: Itemizers are generally able to write off a certain amount of charitable contributions or donations as deductible expenses. The key to taking advantage of this deduction properly? Make sure the organization you're donating to is an IRS-recognized charity — and take extra steps to confirm so.The IRS warns taxpayers that fake charities often employ tactics such as pressuring people into making payments quickly or asking for donations in the form of gift cards or bank wire transfers. The best way to ensure that your money is going exactly where it should be is to check the IRS' TEOS tool to confirm the organization's tax-exempt status
The IRS warns taxpayers that fake charities often employ tactics such as pressuring people into making payments quickly or asking for donations in the form of gift cards or bank wire transfers. The best way to ensure that your money is going exactly where it should be is to check the IRS' TEOS tool to confirm the organization's tax-exempt status Internal Revenue Service. Dirty Dozen tax scams for 2025: IRS warns taxpayers to watch out for dangerous threats. Accessed Mar 6, 2025. .4. Fuel tax credit scam
4. Fuel tax credit scamThe credit for federal tax paid on fuel is specifically for off-highway business and farming use, and the majority of taxpayers don't qualify. The IRS urges taxpayers to be aware of dishonest tax preparers and social media posts promising large refunds through the credit. To help curb misinformation about who qualifies, the IRS added a new section to the Form 4136 instructions outlining its eligibility requirements
The credit for federal tax paid on fuel is specifically for off-highway business and farming use, and the majority of taxpayers don't qualify. The IRS urges taxpayers to be aware of dishonest tax preparers and social media posts promising large refunds through the credit. To help curb misinformation about who qualifies, the IRS added a new section to the Form 4136 instructions outlining its eligibility requirements Internal Revenue Service. Instructions for Form 4136. .5. Credits for sick and family leave scams
5. Credits for sick and family leave scamsThe credits for sick leave and family leave for certain self-employed individuals were panemdic-era credits only available for tax years 2020 and 2021. The IRS is aware of 1) people who are not self-employed trying to claim the credit and 2) people creating fake household employees in an attempt to get a refund of sick and family leave wages they didn't pay. The agency is closely reviewing tax returns with this credit, and you may face penalties for an erroneous claim.
The credits for sick leave and family leave for certain self-employed individuals were panemdic-era credits only available for tax years 2020 and 2021. The IRS is aware of 1) people who are not self-employed trying to claim the credit and 2) people creating fake household employees in an attempt to get a refund of sick and family leave wages they didn't pay. The agency is closely reviewing tax returns with this credit, and you may face penalties for an erroneous claim.6. Self-employment tax credit scam
6. Self-employment tax credit scamBe vigilant about social media posts claiming self-employed people qualify for payments of up to $32,000 through the "self-employment tax credit." This is a nonexistent credit that scammers are promoting; in reality, they are referring to the credits for sick leave and family leave, which have not been active for the last few tax years and the vast majority of taxpayers do not qualify for.
Be vigilant about social media posts claiming self-employed people qualify for payments of up to $32,000 through the "self-employment tax credit." This is a nonexistent credit that scammers are promoting; in reality, they are referring to the credits for sick leave and family leave, which have not been active for the last few tax years and the vast majority of taxpayers do not qualify for.7. Ghost tax preparer scams
7. Ghost tax preparer scamsAnyone you pay to prepare your tax return must have a valid preparer tax identification number and must sign your tax return. Reluctance to sign your return is a red flag that the person is a "ghost preparer" — someone who just wants to charge you a fee and then leave you hanging.
Anyone you pay to prepare your tax return must have a valid preparer tax identification number and must sign your tax return. Reluctance to sign your return is a red flag that the person is a "ghost preparer" — someone who just wants to charge you a fee and then leave you hanging."I encourage you to look up your tax professional on the IRS’ website to verify that they are, in fact, registered to do so," says enrolled agent Nayo Carter-Gray. "This will ensure that you are working with a tax professional that is held to high ethical standards.”
"I encourage you to look up your tax professional on the IRS’ website to verify that they are, in fact, registered to do so," says enrolled agent Nayo Carter-Gray. "This will ensure that you are working with a tax professional that is held to high ethical standards.”8. New client scam
8. New client scamThe IRS warns tax preparers of a phishing scam in which hackers pose as new clients in an attempt to get sensitive information or access client data. The hacker may send two emails: the first may be unsuspecting, simply asking if the preparer is taking new clients — but the second may contain a malicious link or attachment. According to the IRS, the best way to fend off these criminals is by paying attention to strange wording in emails, setting up two-factor authentication and using another communication method to verify the person's identity.
The IRS warns tax preparers of a phishing scam in which hackers pose as new clients in an attempt to get sensitive information or access client data. The hacker may send two emails: the first may be unsuspecting, simply asking if the preparer is taking new clients — but the second may contain a malicious link or attachment. According to the IRS, the best way to fend off these criminals is by paying attention to strange wording in emails, setting up two-factor authentication and using another communication method to verify the person's identity.10 ways to spot IRS scams and impersonators
10 ways to spot IRS scams and impersonatorsIt is true that in rare circumstances the IRS will come to a home or business. But the agency's policy of scaling back on unannounced visits makes the likelihood of this extremely low
It is true that in rare circumstances the IRS will come to a home or business. But the agency's policy of scaling back on unannounced visits makes the likelihood of this extremely low Internal Revenue Service. IRS Ends Unannounced Revenue Officer Visits to Taxpayers; Major Change to End Confusion, Enhance Safety as Part of Larger Agency Transformation Efforts. Accessed Mar 6, 2025. . Unless you're being subpoenaed, served a summons, or your assets are in danger of being seized, the IRS generally won't show up on your doorstep.And, in accordance with the policy, if a face-to-face meeting is necessary, taxpayers will receive mailed letters or notices from the agency to schedule the meet-up first. Some other major red flags that can help tip you off to an IRS scam include:
And, in accordance with the policy, if a face-to-face meeting is necessary, taxpayers will receive mailed letters or notices from the agency to schedule the meet-up first. Some other major red flags that can help tip you off to an IRS scam include:They’re calling you first. The IRS contacts taxpayers by mail first; it doesn’t initiate contact via a random phone call.
They’re calling you first. They’re calling you first. The IRS contacts taxpayers by mail first; it doesn’t initiate contact via a random phone call.They’re leaving a prerecorded voicemail. The IRS doesn’t leave prerecorded, urgent or threatening voicemails.
They’re leaving a prerecorded voicemail. They’re leaving a prerecorded voicemail. The IRS doesn’t leave prerecorded, urgent or threatening voicemails.They’re emailing you. The IRS doesn't initiate contact with taxpayers by email to request personal or financial information. Do not reply to the message, open any attachments or click on any links. And note that the IRS’ website is IRS.gov — not IRS.com, IRS.net, IRS.org or some other bit after the period.
They’re emailing you. They’re emailing you. The IRS doesn't initiate contact with taxpayers by email to request personal or financial information. Do not reply to the message, open any attachments or click on any links. And note that the IRS’ website is IRS.gov — not IRS.com, IRS.net, IRS.org or some other bit after the period.They’re texting you. The IRS doesn't initiate contact with taxpayers by text message to request personal or financial information.
They’re texting you. They’re texting you. The IRS doesn't initiate contact with taxpayers by text message to request personal or financial information.They’re contacting you via social media. The IRS doesn't initiate contact with taxpayers on social media channels.
They’re contacting you via social media. They’re contacting you via social media. The IRS doesn't initiate contact with taxpayers on social media channels.The form they’re sending or referencing doesn’t appear on the IRS website. You can look up the names of IRS notices and letters on the IRS website. If the type of notice you received doesn’t show up on the list, it’s probably not legit.
The form they’re sending or referencing doesn’t appear on the IRS website. The form they’re sending or referencing doesn’t appear on the IRS website. You can look up the names of IRS notices and letters on the IRS website . If the type of notice you received doesn’t show up on the list, it’s probably not legit.They don’t know what an HSPD-12 card is. Real IRS agents have two forms of identification: a pocket commission and an HSPD-12 card. You have the right to see these credentials, and you can verify information on the HSPD-12 card by calling the IRS.
They don’t know what an HSPD-12 card is. They don’t know what an HSPD-12 card is. Real IRS agents have two forms of identification: a pocket commission and an HSPD-12 card. You have the right to see these credentials, and you can verify information on the HSPD-12 card by calling the IRS .They’re asking for a credit card or debit card number over the phone. The IRS doesn’t do that.
They’re asking for a credit card or debit card number over the phone. They’re asking for a credit card or debit card number over the phone. The IRS doesn’t do that.They want you to pay only with gift cards or prepaid debit cards. The IRS doesn’t use these methods for tax payments. The IRS mails paper bills to taxpayers who owe taxes, and payment should only ever be made out to the U.S. Treasury — not a collections agency or other entity.
They want you to pay only with gift cards or prepaid debit cards. They want you to pay only with gift cards or prepaid debit cards. The IRS doesn’t use these methods for tax payments. The IRS mails paper bills to taxpayers who owe taxes, and payment should only ever be made out to the U.S. Treasury — not a collections agency or other entity.They’re saying you’ll be arrested, deported, have your driver’s license revoked, etc. The IRS can’t revoke your driver’s license, business licenses or immigration status. They also cannot threaten to immediately bring in local law enforcement. In addition, the IRS and the Taxpayer Bill of Rights give you the opportunity to question or appeal what the IRS says you owe.
They’re saying you’ll be arrested, deported, have your driver’s license revoked, etc. They’re saying you’ll be arrested, deported, have your driver’s license revoked, etc. The IRS can’t revoke your driver’s license, business licenses or immigration status. They also cannot threaten to immediately bring in local law enforcement. In addition, the IRS and the Taxpayer Bill of Rights give you the opportunity to question or appeal what the IRS says you owe. AD Owe $10,000+ or More? This Tax Season Could Be Your Chance to Qualify Each year the IRS writes off millions in tax debt, yet few have applied. Learn moreon Anthem Tax Services' website
AD Owe $10,000+ in IRS Back Taxes? Get Trusted Tax Help Today BBB Accredited, $500M+ tax debt resolved, free consultation. Learn moreon Alleviate Tax's website
But what if I really do owe the IRS money?
But what if I really do owe the IRS money?If you think you might owe money to the IRS, you can check that directly with the agency (for free) by creating an ID.me account through the IRS' website. If you do owe back taxes and want to make a payment, you can send money directly to the IRS or sign up for an installment plan to pay the IRS over time.
If you think you might owe money to the IRS, you can check that directly with the agency (for free) by creating an ID.me account through the IRS' website. If you do owe back taxes and want to make a payment, you can send money directly to the IRS or sign up for an installment plan to pay the IRS over time.Also be wary of what the IRS calls "OIC mills," or offer-in-compromise mills. These companies may advertise to people who do not qualify for the OIC program, claiming that they can resolve a tax debt for little to no cost or that you need to contract their services immediately in order to settle with the IRS. If you think you may qualify for an offer in compromise, visit the IRS website directly and use its pre-qualifier tool to assess your eligibility
Also be wary of what the IRS calls "OIC mills," or offer-in-compromise mills. These companies may advertise to people who do not qualify for the OIC program, claiming that they can resolve a tax debt for little to no cost or that you need to contract their services immediately in order to settle with the IRS. If you think you may qualify for an offer in compromise , visit the IRS website directly and use its pre-qualifier tool to assess your eligibility Internal Revenue Service. Offer In Compromise Pre-Qualifier Print. Accessed Mar 6, 2025. .» MORE: 5 ways to deal with tax debt
» MORE: » MORE: 5 ways to deal with tax debtHow to report IRS scams
How to report IRS scamsTell the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). You can report IRS scams online or by calling TIGTA at 1-800-366-4484.
Tell the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). You can report IRS scams online or by calling TIGTA at 1-800-366-4484.Forward email messages or phone numbers that claim to be from the IRS to phishing@irs.gov. Do not open the attachments or click on any links in those emails.
Forward email messages or phone numbers that claim to be from the IRS to phishing@irs.gov. Do not open the attachments or click on any links in those emails.Tell the Federal Trade Commission via the FTC Complaint Assistant on FTC.gov. Add "IRS Telephone Scam" in the notes.
Tell the Federal Trade Commission via the FTC Complaint Assistant on FTC.gov. Add "IRS Telephone Scam" in the notes.Report Social Security Administration phone impostor scams using the form on the Social Security Administration's website.
Report Social Security Administration phone impostor scams using the form on the Social Security Administration's website .If the IRS scams appear to be impersonating a state tax authority rather than the IRS, contact your state attorney general’s office.
If the IRS scams appear to be impersonating a state tax authority rather than the IRS, contact your state attorney general’s office.Helpful resources
Helpful resources How Federal Tax Brackets and Rates Work 25 Popular Tax Deductions and Tax Breaks for 2025-2026 More like this Taxes IRS Free File: What It Is, How It Works Interested in the IRS Free File service? All you need to know about the program, plus other IRS options for free tax filing. 2 By Sabrina Parys, Tina Orem 10 Key IRS Tax Forms, Schedules and Publications for 2026 Here are some major IRS tax forms, schedules and publications everyone should know. Tina Orem 1040 Form: What It Is, How to Fill One Out in 2026 Here's what you need to know about Form 1040: the mother of all tax forms. 2 By Tina Orem, Sabrina Parys Get started Get startedon Larson Tax Relief's website
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