Tax Scams to Avoid in 2026
Beware of how scammers are impersonating the IRS this tax season.
Guest post from Will Martin
While tax season has many of us focused on forms, deadlines, and maybe a refund, scammers focus on something else: you.
You’re not alone if you’ve received a text about a surprise refund or a call claiming you owe back taxes. According to the Federal Trade Commission and the Internal Revenue Service, tax-related scams are surging in 2026 — and they’re getting more sophisticated.
What’s happening this tax season? What should you watch for? How can you stay a step ahead of scammers?
The Tax Refund Text That Isn’t
Imagine this: You get a text saying you’re eligible for a tax refund. There’s a link to “claim it.” It looks official. It may even include IRS-style language.
It’s a scam.
The FTC recently warned consumers about text and email phishing attempts that promise unexpected refunds. The message usually creates urgency — “Act now!” — and directs you to a fake website designed to steal your personal or financial information.
Keep in mind that the IRS does not:
Initiate contact about refunds via text or email
Ask you to click on a link to “release” funds
Demand personal information through unsolicited messages
Scammers know many people are expecting refunds this time of year. They’re exploiting that anticipation. If you get one of these messages, don’t click. Delete it.
Bogus Calls About Back Taxes
Another common tactic involves phone calls claiming you owe back taxes and must pay immediately to avoid arrest, license suspension, or legal action.
Just hang up.
The IRS does not demand immediate payment over the phone. They don’t threaten arrest. And they certainly don’t insist you pay using gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers — all red flags cited by both the FTC and IRS.
According to the IRS’s tax scam guidance, real tax issues begin with a mailed notice, not a surprise phone call.
Scammers rely on fear and urgency. When you slow down and think, you regain control and weaken their tactics, helping you stay calm and confident.
Emerging Trends: AI, Stolen Data, and Fake Preparers
This tax season’s biggest pitfall isn’t a filing mistake — it’s fraud. Be on the lookout for three emerging trends:
AI-Enhanced Phishing: Scammers are using artificial intelligence to craft more convincing messages. Grammatical errors — once an easy giveaway — are disappearing. Emails and texts may now look polished and personalized.
A Quick Checklist
Before responding to any tax-related message, ask yourself:
Did I expect this communication?
Is someone pressuring me to act immediately?
Are they asking for unusual payment methods?
Does the message contain links or attachments I wasn’t expecting?
If something feels off, it probably is. Pause. Verify the information independently. Talk it through with someone you trust.
When in doubt, log into your official IRS account or call the number listed on IRS.gov — not the number provided in a suspicious message.
Using Stolen Data for More Credible Scams: With so many data breaches over the past few years, scammers often already have pieces of your information. When a caller knows your address or part of your Social Security number, it can feel legitimate. That familiarity is intentional.
Fake Tax Preparers: Fraudulent tax preparers pose as professionals, promise large refunds, and then file false returns in your name, steal your refund, and disappear. If you’re going to hire someone to do your taxes, the IRS advises you to verify their credentials and make sure they have a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). A legitimate preparer will also sign your return, and they won’t ask you to file it yourself after they’ve helped you. Red Flag: If someone guarantees a massive refund before even reviewing your documents.
What Real IRS Contact Looks Like
Knowing what legitimate communication looks like can make all the difference. According to the IRS:
First contact is usually by U.S. Mail.
Official letters explain the issue and provide steps to respond.
The IRS will never ask you to pay with gift cards, prepaid debit cards, or cryptocurrency.
The IRS won’t threaten to bring in law enforcement without giving you an opportunity to appeal.
Expecting a Refund? Protect It
If you’re expecting a refund this year, take a few extra precautions:
File early to reduce the chance of identity theft.
Use strong, unique passwords for tax software accounts.
Enable multifactor authentication when available.
Monitor your postal mail for IRS notices.
Track your refund directly through the official “Where’s My Refund?” tool at IRS.gov.
Remember that no legitimate agency will rush you into making a snap decision.
The Bottom Line
Tax season can already feel stressful. Scammers know it and count on it.
But awareness is powerful. When you know the warning signs — unexpected refund texts, threatening calls, fake preparers, urgent payment demands — you’re far less likely to engage with them.
Share this information with friends and family. Check in with relatives, regardless of age. And keep an eye on updates from the FTC and IRS as the season unfolds.
The goal this year isn’t just filing accurately — it’s filing safely.
You’ve worked hard for your money. Make sure it ends up where it belongs.
How to Report Tax Scams
If you encounter a tax scam, reporting it helps protect others.
The IRS recently launched a streamlined reporting page to simplify reporting tax fraud and scams. This centralized page guides victims and concerned consumers to the appropriate reporting tools.
You can also report phishing to phishing@irs.gov or file complaints online with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Even if you didn’t lose money, reporting the attempt helps authorities track patterns and shut down fraudulent operations.
Will Martin is a content consultant with more than 15 years of experience helping teams communicate better. Empathy and integrity drive his skills in short-form writing, any-form editing, and technical strategy. He has improved content for Amazon, AT&T, Expedia, Five9, Zillow, and Microsoft. www.willbmartin.com
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