How to Spot an IRS Scam

Unfortunately, we have seen an increase in tax scams this year… Stay vigilant and read on to see the top IRS impersonation scams and our tips to avoid them. If you aren’t sure about something, feel free to contact us through the portal and we can help you decipher the communication.

Most importantly, the IRS is not going to call you without sending a letter through regular U.S. mail delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. To verify the IRS sent the letter or notice, you can search for it on IRS.gov. Some letters may be sent from private collection agencies. If you give the IRS permission, they may email or text you. The IRS may also call you to discuss your case or set up a meeting, but this would be in reference to a letter you’ve already received. You should verify the Revenue Agent/Officer’s name from the letter.

Scammers will mislead you about tax refunds, credits and payments. They pressure you for personal, financial or employment information or money.

The IRS is not going to:

  • Contact you or take payment on social media
  • Accept gift cards or prepaid debit cards as payment
  • Threaten to call law enforcement or immigration officials
  • Take your citizenship status, driver’s license or business license
  • Leave pre-recorded voicemails (robocalls)
  • Mail tax debt resolution advertisements

Things to watch out for:

  • A big payday – If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Bad tax advice on social media may convince you to lie on tax forms or mislead you about credits you can claim.
  • Demands or threats – Impersonators want you to pay “now or else.” They threaten arrest or deportation. They don’t let you question or appeal the amount of tax you owe.
  • Website links – Odd or misspelled web links can take you to harmful sites instead of IRS.gov.

TIPS:

  • Make sure to keep your address current with the IRS. Avoiding them or trying to evade their mailed communications can lead to bigger issues.
  • We HIGHLY recommend getting an irs.gov account and only making payments when you are logged into your account, or with an e-filed tax return.