Beware of IRS Tax Scams: Protect Yourself from Common Threats

If the IRS told you that you need to pay your taxes right away – or face legal consequences, you might get nervous and rush to pay them immediately. Scammers use this fear to prey on thousands of unsuspecting Americans every year.

Be cautious of unexpected messages from anyone who claims to work at the IRS.

“The IRS urges people to be extra cautious about unsolicited messages and avoid clicking any links in an unsolicited email or text if they are uncertain,” said former IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel.

The IRS communicates with taxpayers through physical mail and rarely calls taxpayers to verify information or about an ongoing audit. The agency will never call you without prior notice. Here are tax scam red flags to look out for:

• Unsolicited calls and aggressive demands for your personal and financial information.
• Threatening arrest or deportation.
• Requests for personal information through social media, text messaging, or email.
• Suspicious or misspelled website links.
• Unclaimed tax refunds or payouts that sound too good to be true.

When in doubt, we recommend contacting the IRS through its official channels to verify any claims about your tax status.

Aggressive phone calls remain one of the most prevalent forms of tax scams. Scammers pretend to be IRS agents or revenue officers, using spoofed caller IDs and official-sounding titles to appear legitimate. During these back tax scam calls, they may threaten arrest, deportation, or license revocation if immediate payment isn’t made.

Sophisticated phishing emails claiming to be from the IRS are increasingly common. These messages often include official-looking logos and urgent requests to “verify” your information or claim a refund. Remember, the IRS initiates most contact through regular mail – typically by USPS.

While the IRS does send legitimate letters, scammers also use mail fraud to appear official. Always verify any IRS notices by visiting IRS.gov directly – never use links or contact information provided in suspicious correspondence.

Be wary of companies promising to completely erase your back taxes. Tax relief scams will claim they can negotiate your tax debt down to just “pennies on the dollar.” These types of settlements are rare, and taxpayers must be facing serious financial hardships to qualify.

Trustworthy tax relief professionals will never promise a specific result before reviewing your complete financial situation. At TaxRise, we pride ourselves on providing realistic, transparent solutions tailored to each client’s unique circumstances.

1. Verify all IRS communications through official channels
2. Never share personal or financial information without verification
3. Keep detailed records of your tax obligations and payments
4. Work with trusted tax professionals who prioritize your interests

Each year, the IRS releases its “Dirty Dozen” list of the most prevalent and dangerous tax scams. At TaxRise, we believe knowledge is power, so we’ve broken down the most important scams you need to watch out for:

Phishing and smishing scammers send fake emails and texts that appear to be from the IRS or other tax authorities. These messages ask for personal and financial information that can lead to identity theft. Never open links or download attachments from unexpected finance-related messages.

The rise of social media has led to a surge in bad tax advice and fraudulent filing schemes. Just because someone on social media claims to know a “secret” tax strategy doesn’t make it legitimate. False claims for tax credits and deductions can lead to serious consequences with the IRS.

Watch out for tax refund scams run by tax preparers who promise unusually large refunds or base their fees on your refund amount. Legitimate tax professionals will always sign the tax returns they prepare and include their IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). They should also be willing to explain their process and answer your questions.

While charitable giving can provide legitimate tax deductions, scammers exploit this by creating fake charities. Always verify a charity’s tax-exempt status through the IRS database before donating, and keep detailed records of your contributions.

These scammers prey on people with tax debt by promising to settle their IRS debt for “pennies on the dollar.” They often charge high upfront fees for services, knowing their clients don’t actually qualify for an offer in compromise. At TaxRise, we evaluate each case individually and only recommend solutions our clients truly qualify for.

Complex schemes involving offshore accounts, digital assets, and international elements are increasingly targeting taxpayers. Remember: If a tax reduction strategy seems too good to be true, it probably is. The IRS is particularly focused on schemes involving micro-captive insurance and conservation easements.

Scammers now offer to “help” create IRS online accounts, using this access to steal personal information. Create your own IRS online account directly through IRS.gov, and never share access credentials with third parties.

Wealthy taxpayers are increasingly targeted with complex schemes involving art donations, charitable trusts, and property sales. These scams typically claim to provide ‘expert’ tax strategies that wipe out tax liability and sound too good to be true.

At TaxRise, we know that differentiating legitimate tax professionals from sophisticated schemers can be difficult. That’s why we’re committed to providing transparent tax resolution services that help you resolve your tax issues the right way. If you’re concerned about any tax-related communication or offer you’ve received, contact our team of experts for a free consultation. We’re here to help protect you from scams while finding real solutions to your tax challenges.

If you’re dealing with tax issues, TaxRise is here to help. We’ve resolved tax problems for thousands of hardworking Americans, and in many cases, reduced tax debt by over 90% through IRS-backed methods. We combine professional expertise with dedicated customer service for every client, every time.

Don’t let tax scammers add to your stress. If you’re facing tax challenges, let TaxRise help you find a clear path forward.

Ready to resolve your tax issues the right way? Contact TaxRise today for a free consultation.