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Tax Season Warning: How IRS Impostor Scams Work

Scammers count on confusion and fear to trick taxpayers into acting fast. Knowing how the IRS actually contacts people is your best defense.

Teresa Holt,

AARP Alaska

Published February 23, 2026

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Tax Season Scams: The Red Flags Every Taxpayer Should Know

Tax season already brings enough stress…so the last thing you need is a scammer pretending to be the IRS sliding into your texts, emails or phone calls. Every year, Scammers try to scare people into acting fast and thinking later. According to the Federal Trade Commission, consumers reported losing $789 million to government impostor scams in 2024, including IRS impostor scams.

If the IRS really needs you, they won’t text you at midnight or email you with flashing warnings and emoji-filled subject lines. IRS scammers count on confusion and urgency to trick people into clicking links, sharing personal info, or sending money they’ll never see again. Knowing the red flags makes it easy to hang up, hit delete, and keep your hard‑earned money safe.

How It Works

IRS scams usually come out of nowhere…an unexpected phone call, text, or email demanding immediate action. Scammers may insist you owe back taxes and threaten to arrest you. Scammers often intimidate victims by threatening to stop Social Security benefits or revoke Medicare coverage until victims pay a fine. They may call with promises of a “refund” that requires clicking a link, calling a special number, or sharing personal information, or offer to help you claim tax credits you don’t qualify for. Whether it’s gift cards, crypto, or wire transfers, these payment demands are a sure sign it’s a scam.

The IRS continues to see a surge in email and text scams targeting taxpayers. These fake messages appear to be from the IRS or a tax preparer, showing up unexpectedly and urging quick action. These scams—known as phishing (emails) and smishing (texts)—use fear and urgency to lure people into clicking links or handing over sensitive information. They are even seeing deepfake video calls, using realistic computer-generated images of government officials to demand immediate payment for fake tax debt.

Another growing concern in 2025 is the spread of bad tax advice on social media. Inaccurate or misleading posts—especially on platforms like TikTok—can confuse well-meaning taxpayers and lead to identity theft or serious tax problems. Some of this advice even encourages people to misuse common tax documents, like Form W-2, putting them at real risk.

Key Indicators of an IRS Scam

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IRS scams have clear warning signs if you know what to look for. The real IRS usually starts with a paper letter, so surprise calls, texts, or emails about refunds or tax credits should raise alarms. Scammers often threaten that you will be arrested if you do not pay immediately, or they demand payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers… methods the IRS never uses. Also, be cautious of tax preparers who won’t sign your return, ask for cash payment, route refunds into their own accounts or promise to settle your tax debt for pennies on the dollar.

How to Protect Yourself

The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email to request personal or financial information. Generally, the IRS first mails a paper bill to the person who owes taxes. Always verify your tax information directly by logging in to your account at www.IRS.gov or by calling the IRS at 800-829-1040. For extra protection, the IRS offers an Identity Protection personal identification number (PIN), a simple tool that helps stop scammers from filing fake tax returns in your name, even if they have your personal information. The IRS encourages everyone to create an Identity Protection PIN as a proactive safety step. Never click links or open attachments from unexpected emails or texts, and forward suspected scam emails to phishing@irs.gov.

What You Should Know

IRS impostor scams often begin with a robocall instructing you to press a number on your keypad to speak with a live agent or to call back using the number provided. Scammers can manipulate caller IDs to make it appear the call is from the IRS. The real IRS initiates communication by mail, including in delinquent tax cases. The agency may contact you by phone only after you have received and failed to respond to multiple written notices. Federal agencies never request payment via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift card. In 100 percent of these scenarios, it is a scam.

If you need help with tax preparation, the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program is a trusted resource. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides free tax assistance to anyone, with a focus on taxpayers over 50 and those with low to moderate income. You don’t need to be an AARP member to use the service. For more information on the Tax-Aide program or to locate the nearest Tax-Aide site, search for AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Locator or call 211 (at 1-800-478-2221), from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.