Tax season scams: how to protect yourself

1. Fake IRS calls, texts and emails

• The IRS usually contacts you first by mail, not by phone, text, email or social media
• The IRS never demands payment by gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency or a payment app, and never threatens to have you arrested on the phone
• Don't click links in texts about a “refund waiting” or “account problem”
• Not sure? Hang up and call us — we will tell you if a letter or call is real

2. “Ghost” preparers

A ghost preparer takes your money but won't sign your return. Watch for these signs:

• They won't sign the return or put their PTIN on it
• Their fee is a percentage of your refund
• They want your refund deposited into their account
• They ask you to sign a blank or unfinished return
• They promise a bigger refund than others before seeing your papers

In New York, paid preparers must give you the Consumer Bill of Rights, post their fees, and sign your return. See your rights →

3. Fake credits on social media

Videos and posts push “secret” credits that most people don't qualify for — fuel tax credits, “self-employment tax credits”, sick-leave credits from the pandemic, or business credits for people without a business. Claiming them wrongly can lead to a frozen refund, a bill and penalties. Ask a real preparer first.

4. Tax identity theft

• Someone files a return with your Social Security number to steal your refund
• Protect yourself with an Identity Protection PIN from the IRS — a 6-digit number that only you and your preparer use: irs.gov/ippin
• Never send your Social Security number, ID or tax forms by regular email, text or WhatsApp
• Every personal and business return we prepare includes identity theft restoration through our audit protection membership

Where to report

• IRS impersonation calls: Treasury Inspector General (TIGTA), tigta.gov
• Fake IRS emails and texts: forward to phishing@irs.gov
• Identity theft: IdentityTheft.gov
• Any scam: Federal Trade Commission, ReportFraud.ftc.gov