How do I protect myself from tax scams and IRS impersonators?
The IRS contacts taxpayers by postal mail first, never demands immediate gift-card or wire-transfer payment, and never threatens immediate arrest — any call making these claims is a scam.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
Tax impersonation scams peak between January and April during the US filing season, though they run year-round. Scammers impersonate IRS agents to collect fraudulent payments, and a separate category of scam involves filing a fraudulent tax return in your name to steal your refund before you file. Protecting against both requires slightly different actions.
For IRS impersonation calls: the IRS's normal process begins with a mailed notice, not a phone call. If there is a genuine balance due, you receive multiple letters before any escalation. The IRS does not demand same-day payment via gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. It does not threaten immediate arrest for non-payment. It does not ask for credit card numbers over the phone. Any call making these claims is fraudulent.
For tax refund fraud: if you try to file your return and are told one has already been filed under your Social Security number, a fraudster used your SSN to claim a fraudulent refund. Complete IRS Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) and file a police report. The IRS will process your legitimate return after investigation, though it may take longer than usual. Going forward, apply for an IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) at irs.gov — this is a six-digit number known only to you that is required on any return filed in your name.
File your tax return as early as possible each year. Filing early means a fraudster cannot file a fake return under your SSN before you do, since the IRS will only accept one return per SSN per year.
Common red flags
- First contact about a tax issue is a phone call rather than a mailed letter
- Caller demands immediate payment via gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency
- Caller threatens immediate arrest or deportation for non-payment
- Caller asks for personal information to 'verify' your identity before discussing your account
- Email claiming to be from the IRS asking you to click a link — the IRS does not email taxpayers unsolicited
- Attempt to file your tax return is rejected because one already exists for your SSN
What to do now
- Hang up on any IRS impersonation call and verify through irs.gov or by calling 1-800-829-1040
- Apply for an IRS Identity Protection PIN at irs.gov to protect against return fraud
- File your tax return as early as possible each year
- If a return was already filed in your name, file IRS Form 14039 and a police report
- Report IRS impersonation calls to TIGTA at tigta.gov and the FTC
Frequently asked questions
What is an IRS Identity Protection PIN?
An IP PIN is a six-digit number the IRS provides to taxpayers who have been identity theft victims, or who proactively request one. Any return filed with your SSN must include this PIN to be accepted. Without it, a fraudster cannot file a return under your SSN. Apply at irs.gov/ippin.
Can the IRS email me?
The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text, or social media to discuss tax accounts or request personal information. Any email appearing to come from the IRS asking you to click a link or provide information is phishing. Forward it to [email protected].