Tax Scams to Watch for in 2026: How to Protect Yourself

Tax scams to watch for in 2026 include IRS impersonation, phishing emails and text messages, fake tax preparers, refund schemes, identity theft, and misleading tax advice on social media. These scams often create a sense of urgency so you will share personal information, click a malicious link, or send money before verifying the request. This guide explains the most common warning signs, how to confirm whether a tax-related message is legitimate, and what to do if you believe a scammer has contacted you.

How to Know Whether Communication is From the IRS

One of the easiest ways for scammers to get your attention is to pretend they're the IRS. They may use official-looking logos, urgent language, fake websites, or even technology designed to make a phone call sound convincing.

The IRS generally contacts taxpayers by regular mail first. It does not use unexpected emails, text messages, or social media messages to request sensitive personal or financial information.

Here are some important warning signs:

1. Unexpected contact: Be cautious if you suddenly receive an email, text, direct message, or phone call claiming to be from the IRS.
2. Urgent threats: Scammers may threaten arrest, legal action, or immediate consequences if you don't pay. These pressure tactics are a major red flag.
3. Requests for personal information: Don't provide your Social Security number, bank details, passwords, or other sensitive information to an unsolicited contact.
4. Suspicious links or attachments: Don't click links or open attachments in unexpected IRS-related messages. They may lead to fake websites or contain malware.
5. Verify independently: If you're unsure whether a communication is legitimate, go directly to the official IRS website rather than using a link or phone number provided by the message.

If something feels suspicious, stop and verify it. A legitimate tax issue won't disappear because you took a few minutes to check. For additional guidance, review DISB's advice on how to beware of IRS tax scams before responding to suspicious communications.

Tax Scams Overview

Scammers use everything from emails and text messages to phone calls, social media, fake websites, and malicious software to target taxpayers, businesses, and tax professionals.

The IRS's 2026 Dirty Dozen highlights 12 scams and schemes taxpayers should watch for this year. Some are familiar tactics with a new twist, while others take advantage of newer technology and increasingly sophisticated fraud techniques.

1. IRS Impersonation by Email and Text

Phishing and smishing scams use emails and text messages that appear to come from the IRS. These messages may claim that you have an unpaid tax bill, an available refund, or an account that needs verification. If you receive a message about a potential refund, learn how to verify an IRS refund notice before taking any action.

Some may direct you to fake IRS websites designed to steal your personal or financial information.

What to do: Don't click unexpected links, scan suspicious QR codes, or open attachments. Verify information directly through IRS.gov.

2. AI-Enabled IRS Impersonation by Phone

Phone scams are getting a technology upgrade. Criminals can use computer-generated voices, voice mimicry, robocalls, and spoofed caller ID to make a scam call sound convincing.

The IRS warns taxpayers to be cautious of suspicious calls, especially when someone demands immediate payment or threatens arrest or other serious consequences.

If you receive a suspicious call claiming to be from the IRS, hang up and verify the situation independently.

3. Fake Charities

Scammers often take advantage of people's generosity, particularly after disasters or tragedies. They may create fake charities to collect donations—or personal information.

Before donating, verify that the organization is a qualified tax-exempt organization. For more guidance, learn how to verify charitable donations and avoid fake charities. Taxpayers can also use the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search tool to check whether an organization is eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

A good cause deserves your donation. A scammer does not.

4. Misleading Tax Advice on Social Media

Social media can be useful for learning about taxes. It can also be a breeding ground for questionable "tax hacks."

Viral posts may encourage taxpayers to claim credits or deductions they don't qualify for, or to enter false information on their tax returns in an effort to generate a bigger refund.

Following bad tax advice can result in refund delays, penalties, audits, and other consequences.

Before acting on a tax tip you saw online, verify it through the IRS or another reputable tax professional.

5. Identity Theft Involving IRS Online Account Access

Your IRS Online Account contains sensitive tax information, making it an attractive target for identity thieves.

Scammers may use stolen personal information to gain access to an account. They may also pose as helpful third parties offering to create an IRS Online Account for you, only to collect your sensitive information. You can also use an IRS Identity Protection PIN as an added layer of protection against tax-related identity theft.

Create and manage your IRS Online Account directly through IRS.gov rather than relying on unsolicited assistance.

6. Abusive Undistributed Long-Term Capital Gains Claims

The IRS has identified an increase in overstated or fabricated claims involving Form 2439, Notice to Shareholder of Undistributed Long-Term Capital Gains.

These schemes may involve false claims tied to investment funds or real estate investment trusts. Improper claims can lead to refund delays, penalties, audits, or other enforcement action.

If you're unsure whether a credit or tax form applies to you, don't guess. Get reliable tax advice first.

7. Bogus "Self-Employment Tax Credit" Promotions

Scammers and promoters may advertise a broad "Self-Employment Tax Credit" as an easy way for self-employed individuals to receive a large refund.

The IRS warns that many taxpayers don't qualify for these claims and is closely reviewing them. Filing an inaccurate claim can put you at risk.

Be especially cautious of social media posts promising easy money or guaranteed tax refunds.

8. Ghost Preparers

A ghost preparer is someone who prepares a tax return but refuses to sign it or provide a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN).

That's a major red flag. Paid tax preparers must sign returns and include their PTIN, and taxpayers remain legally responsible for the information submitted on their return.

Never sign a blank or incomplete return. If a preparer won't put their name on your return, that's a pretty good reason not to put yours on it either.

9. Noncash Charitable Contribution Schemes

Some tax scams involve inflated valuations or appraisals of donated property. Promoters may claim these strategies can dramatically reduce your tax liability.

The IRS warns taxpayers against using inaccurate information or inflated valuations on their returns.

Keep documentation of legitimate charitable contributions and ensure the information reported on your return is accurate.

10. Overstated Withholding Schemes

Some scammers encourage taxpayers to fabricate wage or withholding information to manufacture a larger tax refund.

These schemes may involve falsely reporting withholding on forms such as W-2s or various 1099s. The IRS can compare reported information against records from employers and other third parties.

If the numbers on your tax return don't match your actual income and withholding, don't submit them just because someone online promised a bigger refund.

11. Spear-Phishing and Malware Targeting Tax Professionals

Tax professionals and businesses are also targets. Scammers may send convincing emails posing as new clients or requesting tax documents. The message may contain a malicious link or attachment designed to steal client information or gain access to computer systems.

Tax professionals should be particularly cautious about unexpected document requests, unfamiliar sender addresses, urgent demands, and suspicious links or attachments.

A seemingly harmless "new client" email can sometimes be anything but harmless.

12. Offer in Compromise Mills

An Offer in Compromise (OIC) is a legitimate IRS program that may allow eligible taxpayers to settle their tax debt for less than the full amount owed. Taxpayers can also learn about legitimate IRS tax debt relief options before paying a company for assistance.

The problem? OIC mills aggressively market these services, promising taxpayers that they can settle their IRS debt for "pennies on the dollar." They may charge high fees even when a taxpayer doesn't qualify for the program.

Not everyone qualifies for an Offer in Compromise. Eligibility depends on factors such as income, expenses, assets, and the taxpayer's ability to pay. The IRS offers a free Offer in Compromise Pre-Qualifier Tool that taxpayers can use to check their eligibility.

If someone guarantees you'll settle your tax debt for a fraction of what you owe, take a step back. High-pressure sales tactics and promises that sound too good to be true are classic warning signs.

Taking Action Against Tax Scams: Reporting and Protecting Yourself

If you encounter a tax scam or believe your personal information may have been compromised, don't panic. Take action.

1. Verify the communication: If someone claims to be from the IRS, independently verify the information through official IRS channels.
2. Don't engage: Don't respond to suspicious messages or provide personal or financial information.
3. Don't click: Avoid links, QR codes, and attachments in unexpected communications.
4. Report the scam: Suspicious IRS-related emails can be forwarded to phishing@irs.gov. You can also report suspected tax fraud, identity theft, and other wrongdoing through the IRS's official reporting channels.
5. Protect compromised accounts: If you believe your tax identity has been stolen, follow the IRS's identity theft guidance and monitor your financial accounts closely. The FCC's guidance on avoiding tax scams and taxpayer ID theft also provides additional tips for recognizing and protecting yourself from scam communications.
6. Report abusive tax schemes or preparers: If you suspect fraudulent tax preparation or an abusive tax promotion, report it to the IRS. If you've experienced an ongoing tax problem or are having difficulty resolving an issue with the IRS, the Taxpayer Advocate Service provides independent assistance to taxpayers who meet certain criteria.
7. Educate others: Share what you've learned with friends, family, and colleagues. The more people who recognize tax scams, the harder they are for scammers to pull off.

For the latest official information, review the IRS warnings about tax scams during tax season and the IRS 2026 Dirty Dozen tax scams guidance.

Navigating Tax Season with Vigilance and Knowledge

Tax scams can look different from year to year, but the basic warning signs remain surprisingly consistent: unexpected contact, pressure to act immediately, requests for sensitive information, and promises that sound a little too good to be true.

In 2026, scammers are adding new technology and new twists to familiar schemes. AI can make impersonation attempts more convincing, while social media can spread bad tax advice to thousands of people in minutes.

The best defense is staying informed, slowing down, and verifying information before you act.

Remember: If a tax deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Whether you've been caught up in a tax-related scam or simply need more time to get everything in order, you can request a tax extension for an extra six months to file your return.

Taxes are complicated enough. You shouldn't have to worry about scammers making them even harder.