April 15th is just around the corner. As you go searching for a misplaced W-2 or 1099-INT form, someone out there is looking to take advantage of your stress. Tax season brings deadlines, paperwork, and, unfortunately, an increase in scams. Fraudsters know people are thinking about refunds, payments, and IRS notices. They use that urgency to pressure individuals into acting quickly.
Understanding what tax scams look like and how to respond can help you protect your personal information and your finances.
Common tax scams in 2026
A tax scam typically involves someone posing as a trusted authority, such as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), in an attempt to steal money or personal information. These scams often rely on fear, urgency, or confusion to get you to respond before you have time to verify the request.
While tactics evolve each year, many scams follow familiar patterns. Here are several examples of tax scams to be wary of this filing season.
IRS impersonation scams
In an IRS impersonation scam, someone claims to represent the IRS and says you owe back taxes. They may threaten arrest, legal action, or license suspension if you don’t pay immediately.
Remember, the IRS doesn’t:
- Demand immediate payment over the phone
- Threaten arrest or deportation
- Require payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
If someone pressures you to act immediately or demands unusual forms of payment, it’s a red flag.
Phishing emails and text messages
Phishing scams attempt to trick you into clicking a link or providing sensitive information through email or text message. These messages often look like they come from the IRS and may mention any of the following:
- A tax refund
- A problem with your return
- Verification of personal information
- Updated account details
The IRS states that they don’t initiate contact with taxpayers through email, text messages, or social media to request personal or financial information. You should treat unexpected messages asking you to “verify” your Social Security number (SSN), bank account, or login credentials with caution.
Fake tax preparers
Not all scams happen online. Some involve individuals posing as tax professionals who promise unusually large refunds or charge fees based on a percentage of your refund.
Warning signs for fake tax preparers can include:
- Refusal to sign your tax return
- No preparer tax identification number (PTIN)
- Requesting payment in cash only
- Filing returns without your review
Before working with any preparer, confirm their credentials and ensure you understand what they submit in your name.
Refund and identity theft schemes
In some cases, criminals file a fraudulent tax return using stolen personal information to claim a refund.
You might discover this if:
- Your legitimate tax return is rejected because one has already been filed in your name or using your personal information.
- You receive an IRS notice about income you did not earn.
- You receive a refund you did not request.
Protecting your SSN and other personal details is one of the most effective steps in tax fraud prevention.
How to protect yourself from tax scams
Tax scams rely on urgency. Slowing down is often your best defense.
- Be cautious with unsolicited calls, emails, or texts related to taxes.
- Do not click links or download attachments from unknown sources.
- Use strong, unique passwords for financial accounts or online tax preparation software.
- File your tax return as early as possible to reduce the window for identity theft.
- Monitor your financial accounts regularly for unusual activity.
If you receive a suspicious message claiming to be from the IRS, you can report it directly through the official IRS website rather than responding to the message itself.
How fraud protection can help foil tax scams
Even with careful habits, scams can still happen. Having fraud protection tools in place adds an extra layer of security.
Fraud protection services can help you:
- Monitor account activity for suspicious transactions.
- Receive real-time alerts.
- Freeze or restrict compromised cards quickly.
- Report and resolve fraudulent activity more efficiently.
Stay informed and stay protected
Tax season doesn’t have to come with added anxiety. By understanding how tax scams work and taking steps to protect your personal information, you can approach the season with greater confidence.
If you have questions about protecting your accounts, explore our fraud protection tools or connect directly with SECU. Taking a few preventative steps today can help safeguard your finances throughout 2026 and beyond.
