While tax season is a time for individuals and businesses to file returns, it’s also a prime opportunity for cybercriminals. Scammers frequently impersonate government agencies, sending fraudulent emails, texts, and phone calls designed to trick people into sharing sensitive financial or personal information.
Many of these messages claim to come from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Knowing how these scams operate can help you spot red flags and stay protected.
Many individuals and businesses expect tax refunds during filing season, which creates an opportunity for scammers to exploit that anticipation. Criminals use urgency and fear to trick people into clicking malicious links, sharing sensitive information, or sending money.
Some of the most common tax-related scams include:
Spoofed phone calls or robocalls pretending to be from the IRS
Text messages claiming there is an urgent issue with your tax filing and prompting you to click a link
Phishing emails designed to look like official IRS correspondence
While tax scams can take many forms, they often share common red flags. Be cautious if you encounter messages that include:
Promises of unusually large refunds or financial rewards
Threats of legal action or penalties if you do not act immediately
Links that contain misspellings or unusual website addresses
Messages demanding urgent action without allowing time to verify the request
Cybercriminals rely on panic and urgency to pressure people into making quick decisions without verifying the source.
Because these scams are so widespread, the IRS has provided guidance on how it typically communicates with taxpayers.
In most cases, the IRS will initiate contact through official letters sent via the U.S. Postal Service. These mailed notices can typically be verified through the IRS website.
While the IRS may contact taxpayers through other channels such as phone or email in certain circumstances, this usually occurs only after a taxpayer has given permission or has already established communication with the agency.
If you receive an unexpected message claiming to be from the IRS through text, email, or a phone call, it is very likely a scam.
To help people identify fraudulent messages, the IRS has clarified several actions it will not take. The IRS will not:
Contact taxpayers through social media
Demand payment through gift cards or prepaid debit cards
Threaten arrest, deportation, or law enforcement action
Revoke your citizenship, driver’s license, or business license
Leave robocall voicemails demanding payment
Send advertisements offering debt resolution services
If you encounter any of these tactics, it’s a strong indication that the message is not legitimate.
Tax-related scams continue to evolve each year, making awareness one of the most effective ways to stay protected. Always verify unexpected communications, avoid clicking suspicious links, and rely on official sources when dealing with tax matters.
For additional guidance on identifying tax scams and fraud, the IRS provides helpful resources on its official website.
Staying informed and cautious can help protect both your personal information and your business from becoming a target during tax season.
Anthony has been in the MSP business since before the acronym existed. Managed IT once started as break-fix solutions and some light phone support.
Since then, he has seen the industry flourish into a landscape of platforms, cloud servers, software tools and AI . Tailoring network configurations and software stacks to the specific needs of each business.
In his current role, he focuses on proactive planning, ensuring clients can avoid potential issues altogether. This involves meticulous planning for enhanced business continuity, allowing swift resolution of any unforeseen challenges. What initially began as addressing "fires" through break-fix solutions has evolved into a proactive approach, ensuring that such issues are prevented from arising in the first place.
