6 Dangerous IRS Tax Scams: How to Protect Yourself

The good news is that knowing what to look for can help you stay safe. In this article, we'll cover (6) six common IRS tax scams and share simple steps to protect yourself.

Scammers call you pretending to be IRS agents. They might sound professional and even know part of your Social Security number. They claim you owe taxes and demand immediate payment, often through gift cards, wire transfers, or prepaid debit cards.

If you pay the scammers, you'll lose your money with no way to get it back. Sharing personal information can lead to identity theft. Many victims feel scared and pressured into making quick decisions they later regret.

Remember that the real IRS first contacts taxpayers by mail, not by phone. The IRS never demands immediate payment using specific methods like gift cards or wire transfers. If you get a suspicious call, hang up and report it to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at TIGTA's website.

Scammers send emails or text messages that look like they're from the IRS. These messages might claim you're due a refund or that there's a problem with your tax return. They include links to fake websites designed to steal your personal information.

Clicking on links in these messages can download malware to your device or take you to fake websites that steal your personal and financial information. This can lead to identity theft, tax fraud, and unauthorized purchases.

The IRS doesn't initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text message, or social media to request personal or financial information. Don't click on links in unexpected emails or texts claiming to be from the IRS.

A scammer uses your Social Security number to file a fake tax return and claim a refund before you file your legitimate return. You usually discover this has happened when you try to file your return and the IRS rejects it because a return has already been filed with your Social Security number.

Tax identity theft can delay your legitimate tax refund for months while the IRS investigates. You'll need to fill out extra forms and provide proof of your identity. The process of clearing up tax identity theft can be time-consuming and stressful.

File your tax return early, before scammers have a chance to file a fake one. Protect your Social Security number and personal information. If you're a victim of tax identity theft, file a complaint with the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov, contact the IRS, and consider placing a fraud alert on your credit reports.

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Ghost preparers are people who prepare tax returns but refuse to sign them as the paid preparer. They might print the return and ask you to sign and mail it, or they might file it electronically but refuse to digitally sign as the preparer. Some may even ask you to pay them based on a percentage of your refund.

Ghost preparers often make up numbers on your return to get you a bigger refund. When the IRS discovers the false information, you'll be responsible for paying back the incorrect refund plus interest and penalties. You might even face criminal charges for tax fraud.

Only use tax preparers who sign the returns they prepare and include their Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). Ask for a copy of your return for your records. Check the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers to find qualified professionals.