Tax season brings plenty of paperwork — and unfortunately, plenty of scammers. Each year, criminals ramp up their efforts to steal personal information, file fraudulent returns, and trick taxpayers into handing over their money. By understanding how these scams work and taking a few smart precautions, you can keep your identity and your refund safe. Below are five essential tips to help you stay protected this tax season.
1. Be cautious of IRS Impersonation scams
One of the most common tax scams involves criminals impersonating the IRS. They may call, text, or email claiming you owe money, threatening legal action, or demanding immediate payment.
- The IRS does not initiate contact through unsolicited calls, emails, or text messages.
- The IRS will never demand payment through gift cards, wire transfers, instant payment platforms such as Zelle or Venmo or cryptocurrency.
If you believe the message you received is suspicious, don't respond or click on any links. Instead, visit IRS.gov to verify legitimate contact methods or report the scam.
2. File your taxes early
Filing early is an easy way to protect yourself from tax‑related identity theft. When criminals obtain stolen personal information, they often try to file a fraudulent return before the real taxpayer does. Submitting your return early reduces that window of opportunity and helps ensure your refund goes where it should — to you.
3. Avoid clicking links
Phishing scams spike during tax season. Fraudsters send emails or direct messages that appear to be from the IRS, tax preparers, or financial institutions. These messages often include links that lead to fake websites designed to steal your login credentials or install malware.
If you receive a message asking you to "verify your account," "update your information," or "view your tax documents," treat it with caution. Go directly to the official website instead of clicking any links.
4. Protect your personal information
Your Social Security number, bank account details, and tax documents are prime targets for scammers. Be cautious about who you share information with — especially if someone contacts you unexpectedly.
If someone offers to "help set up your IRS account" or asks for personal details out of the blue, it's almost certainly a scam.
5. Use secure, trusted tax preparation tools
Fake tax-prep websites and fraudulent "tax professionals" pop up every year. Criminals may create convincing websites or ads that mimic legitimate brands to steal your information.
Stick to well‑known, reputable tax software or certified tax professionals. When in doubt, verify credentials.
