Protecting yourself from Tax Scams in 2026

Tax season is a busy time — and unfortunately, it’s also a peak season for fraud scams. From fake IRS messages to misleading “tax tips” on social media, fraudsters often rely on urgency and confusion to trick people into sharing personal or financial information.

The good news: knowing what to look for can go a long way toward protecting your identity, your finances and your peace of mind. Here are some  key ways  to stay safe during this tax season.

Protect Your Personal Information

Keep your Social Security number, tax documents and financial records secure, and do not share personal or tax information unless you initiated the contact. The IRS will not initiate contact to request this type of information. Additionally, use strong, unique passwords for financial and tax-related accounts and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever available.

Use IRS Protection Tools

You can set up an IRS Online Account at IRS.gov to securely monitor your tax information. Additionally, consider signing up for an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) with the IRS. Anyone who has a Social Security number or ITIN can request a six-digit IP PIN which helps prevent someone else from filing a tax return on your behalf. Finally, be sure to check any IRS notices immediately upon receipt and report any unusual activity without delay.

Watch for Common Scam Red Flags

• Be suspicious of emails, texts, or calls claiming to be from the IRS. Remember: the IRS does not contact taxpayers by email, text or social media.
• Do not click on unexpected links or open attachments. When in doubt, go directly to trusted sources like IRS.gov.
• Ignore messages demanding immediate payment or threatening arrest. Remember: the IRS will not ask for payment in gift cards, cryptocurrency or pre-paid debit cards.

Work With Trusted Tax Professionals

Confirm that your tax preparer is legitimate and credentialed. Ask how your information is protected and never share IRS account credentials or IP PINs.

Watch for these types of tax scams

Social media scams: Bad advice on social media can mislead taxpayers about their credit or refund eligibility. Social media influencers may convince taxpayers to lie on tax forms or claim credits they’re not eligible for. Social media posts may also put taxpayers in touch with scammers.

Phishing and smishing: The IRS frequently warns against phishing emails and smishing texts, which are common tactics used by criminals to steal personal and financial information. These messages may ask for payment, direct you to click a link, or prompt you to open an attachment — all of which can compromise your information.

Fake charities: Scammers create fake charities, often after natural disasters or emergencies – and solicit donations. Donations are only tax deductible if made to an IRS-recognized tax-exempt organization.

Identity theft and refund fraud: Fraudsters use stolen personal information to file a tax return in someone else’s name, steal refunds, and access IRS online accounts. Victims often discover fraud when their legitimate tax return is rejected. IRS tools like IP PINS help prevent this type of fraud.

If You Suspect a Scam

• Do not respond or send payment.
• Report suspicious emails or texts to phishing@irs.gov
• Report IRS impersonation to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) at 1-800-366-4484.
• Contact your tax professional immediately.

Bottom Line

If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and seek guidance before taking action. Staying informed is one of the best defenses against fraud. Learn additional tips on preventing fraud or how to report by visiting our Information Security & Fraud Protection Page.