Don't fall for these common tax scams in 2026, IRS warns - USA Today

TAXES Internal Revenue Service Add Topic Don't fall for these common tax scams in 2026, IRS warns Roxanne Downer USA TODAY March 28, 2026Updated March 30, 2026, 11:33 a.m. ET Hear this story The IRS publishes an annual "Dirty Dozen" list to warn taxpayers about common scams like phishing and ghost tax preparers. Scammers often use personal information found on data broker websites to make their fraudulent messages seem more credible. If you receive a suspicious call, email or text claiming to be from the IRS, do not provide personal or financial information and avoid clicking links or downloading attachments. This content was produced with paid support from a third party. Editorial decisions were made independently. Prices and product/service availability are subject to change. Tax season doesn’t just bring paperwork; it also brings scammers. Every year, the IRS publishes its  “Dirty Dozen” list of tax scams, highlighting the most common schemes targeting taxpayers. The 2026 IRS Dirty Dozen list includes phishing emails, ghost tax preparers, fake tax credits and other tactics designed to steal money, personal data or tax refunds. What makes modern tax scams especially convincing is that criminals often personalize their messages using information they find online, including your address, phone number, employer or family members. Much of this data is widely available through data-broker websites, which collect and sell personal information. Some people choose to remove their data manually or use privacy services such as Incogni, which helps request removal of personal information from data-broker databases. Beyond that, knowing how the IRS actually communicates − and recognizing common red flags − can help you avoid becoming a victim. Identity theft protection - 58% off Sign up with Incogni before April 15 to get the discount and help prevent tax scammers from targeting you. 58% off Incogni with code TAXSAFE58 How the IRS actually contacts you One of the easiest ways to recognize a tax scam is to understand how the IRS normally contacts taxpayers. In most cases, the IRS initiates contact by mail, not by phone, text or social media. The agency may contact you by phone only after sending official notices first or if you are already working with the IRS on an existing issue. The IRS will not typically: Demand immediate payment over the phone Ask for payment via gift cards, prepaid debit cards or cryptocurrency Threaten arrest by local police Contact you through social media or unsolicited text messages Request sensitive personal information by email If someone claiming to represent the IRS demands immediate payment or unusual payment methods, it’s a major red flag. 10 common IRS tax scams and how to spot them Here are some of the most common schemes seen during tax season and how to recognize them. Phishing and smishing scams One of the most common tax scams involves fraudulent messages designed to look like official IRS communications. These scams can arrive by email (phishing), text message (smishing) or even direct messages on social media. The messages often use alarming language and may include links or QR codes that lead to fake websites made to resemble IRS login pages. Victims are then prompted to “verify” their identity, claim a refund or update their tax account information, all of which can expose sensitive data. Scammers may also impersonate tax software companies or financial institutions to make the message seem credible. Warning signs: Messages claiming your tax account has been suspended or needs urgent verification Links or QR codes directing you to unfamiliar login pages Requests for Social Security numbers, bank details or IRS account credentials Unexpected messages about refunds or tax payments Gut check: The IRS generally contacts taxpayers by mail first. If you receive an unexpected message claiming to be from the IRS, do not click links or download attachments. IRS phone scams Phone scams involving people posing as IRS agents have circulated for years, but the tactics continue to evolve. Scammers may use automated voice technology, robocalls or caller ID spoofing so the call appears to come from an official IRS number. During these calls, the person may claim you owe back taxes and pressure you to make a payment immediately to avoid penalties, legal action or arrest. In reality, the IRS typically initiates contact by mail, especially for tax balance issues or enforcement actions. Unexpected calls demanding payment should be treated with caution. Warning signs: Threats of arrest, lawsuits or law enforcement action Pressure to pay immediately Requests for payment through gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency Caller ID that appears to show an IRS or government phone number Claims that you must pay before receiving any written notice Gut check: The IRS does not demand immediate tax payments over the phone. Fake charity tax scams Scammers often take advantage of natural disasters, major news events or humanitarian crises by promoting fake charities. These schemes may involve entirely fraudulent organizations or individuals impersonating legitimate nonprofits in order to collect donations and personal information. In many cases, the scam relies on urgency and emotion, encouraging people to donate quickly before verifying the organization. Warning signs: Donation requests tied to a recent disaster or breaking news event Messages that pressure you to give immediately Organizations with names similar to well-known charities Requests for donations through unusual payment methods or personal accounts Taxpayers who itemize deductions may be able to claim charitable contributions on their federal tax return, but only donations made to qualified tax-exempt organizations are eligible. Gut check: Before donating, verify the organization through the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search tool. Social media tax scams Tax misinformation spreads quickly on platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, where viral “tax hacks” promise large refunds or little-known loopholes. Some posts encourage taxpayers to claim credits they don’t qualify for or enter false information on tax forms. Following this kind of advice can create serious problems. Filing inaccurate information on a tax return can trigger refund delays, audits, penalties or even criminal charges. Warning signs: Videos promising unusually large refunds or “secret” tax credits Advice that encourages taxpayers to invent income, deductions or business activity Claims that certain tax forms guarantee refunds Posts suggesting the IRS will not verify certain information Taxpayers should rely on guidance from the IRS, qualified tax professionals and other reputable sources when preparing their returns. Gut check: If a tax strategy sounds too good to be true − especially if it’s trending on social media − it probably is. Tax identity theft Tax identity theft occurs when someone uses stolen personal information, such as a Social Security number, to access a taxpayer’s IRS account or file a fraudulent tax return in their name. The goal is usually to claim a refund before the real taxpayer submits their return. In some cases, scammers may also pose as helpful “tax assistance” services and ask for sensitive information while offering to help set up an IRS online account. Many victims only discover the problem when their legitimate tax return is rejected or they receive unexpected IRS correspondence. Warning signs: An IRS notice about a tax return you didn’t file An e-file rejection because a return has already been submitted using your Social Security number Unexpected IRS transcripts or account notifications Requests from third parties offering to help create or access your IRS online account Taxpayers should create IRS online accounts directly through IRS.gov and avoid sharing personal information with unsolicited third parties. Gut check: If you suspect tax identity theft, report it to the IRS immediately and consider placing a credit freeze with the credit bureaus. Bogus self-employment tax credit claims Some scammers promote a supposed “self-employment tax credit” that they claim can generate large refunds for freelancers, gig workers or small business owners. These promotions often circulate on social media or through aggressive online ads. In many cases, the credit being advertised either doesn’t apply to the taxpayer or doesn’t exist in the way it’s being described. Warning signs: Ads promising large refunds tied to a vague “self-employment credit” Social media posts claiming most gig workers qualify Promoters charging fees to file the claim on your behalf Gut check: If someone promises a large refund based on a little-known credit you’ve never heard of, verify the claim with a qualified tax professional first. ‘Ghost’ tax preparers A ghost preparer is someone who prepares a tax return but refuses to sign it or include a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). By leaving their name off the filing, the preparer can avoid responsibility if the return contains false information or inflated refund claims. Even if someone else prepares the return, the taxpayer is still legally responsible for what is submitted to the IRS. Warning signs: The preparer refuses to sign the return or provide a PTIN Promises of unusually large refunds Fees based on a percentage of your refund Requests that you sign a blank or incomplete return Gut check: Legitimate tax preparers are required to sign the returns they prepare and include their PTIN. Inflated charitable deduction schemes Some tax schemes encourage taxpayers to claim inflated deductions for non-cash donations, such as artwork, property or conservation easements. Promoters may promise that these contributions can dramatically reduce or even eliminate a taxpayer’s tax bill. These arrangements often rely on questionable or exaggerated appraisals to inflate the value of the donated property. Warning signs: Promises that a donation can wipe out most or all of your tax liability Pressure to participate in complex donation arrangements involving art or land Appraisals that appear unusually high or difficult to verify Gut check: Charitable deductions must be based on legitimate donations and accurate valuations. Inflated claims can lead to audits, penalties and delayed refunds. Overstated withholding refund schemes Some scams encourage taxpayers to report inflated or fabricated withholding amounts on their tax returns in order to generate a larger refund. This may involve entering false information from forms such as W-2s or 1099s, or claiming withholding that never actually occurred. These schemes often circulate online as “refund hacks,” but the IRS compares wage and withholding information against records reported by employers and financial institutions. Warning signs: Advice to enter withholding amounts that don’t match your tax documents Claims that certain tax forms can be used to create a refund even without income Instructions to list “other withholding” without supporting documentation Gut check: The IRS verifies wage and withholding data with third-party records. Inflated claims can delay refunds and lead to penalties or enforcement action. Misleading Offer in Compromise promotions The IRS Offer in Compromise (OIC) program can help some taxpayers settle tax debt for less than the full amount owed. However, some companies aggressively market these services and promise dramatic results to people who may not qualify. These businesses, sometimes called “OIC mills,” often charge high upfront fees while suggesting that most taxpayers are eligible for the program. Warning signs: Ads promising to “settle your tax debt for pennies on the dollar” High-pressure sales tactics or large upfront fees Claims that almost anyone qualifies for an Offer in Compromise Gut check: Not everyone qualifies for an Offer in Compromise. Taxpayers can check eligibility using free tools on IRS.gov before paying a company for help. Why scammers can find your information so easily Many tax scams begin with personal details that are surprisingly easy to find online. Data broker websites collect and sell information pulled from public records, marketing databases and online activity.  These profiles can include: Home addresses Phone numbers Email addresses Family members and relatives Previous addresses Employment history Scammers often use this information to make their messages appear legitimate. A phone call that references your home address or workplace can sound far more convincing than a generic scam attempt. Reducing the amount of personal information available on these sites can make it harder for scammers to personalize attacks. How to remove your information from data broker sites Limiting how much personal information appears online can make it harder for scammers to craft convincing messages in the first place. Some data broker websites allow individuals to manually request removal of their information, but the process often requires submitting requests to dozens of different companies. Privacy services such as Incogni can help automate that process by identifying data broker listings that contain your personal information and submitting removal requests on your behalf. While removing your information online won’t eliminate every scam attempt, reducing your digital footprint can make it harder for criminals to gather the details they often use to target victims. Bottom line Tax scams continue to evolve, but most rely on the same tactics: urgency, intimidation or promises of unusually large refunds. Knowing how the IRS actually communicates and recognizing common red flags can help you avoid becoming a victim. It’s also worth remembering that many scams begin with personal information that’s already available online. Taking a few simple precautions can make it harder for scammers to target you during tax season. Ignore urgent payment demands. The IRS generally initiates contact by mail, not phone calls, texts or social media messages. Verify tax advice before acting on it. Viral “tax hacks” can lead to incorrect filings and penalties. Use reputable tax preparers. Legitimate preparers sign returns and provide a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). Protect your personal data online. Limiting what appears on data broker websites can reduce the details scammers use to personalize attacks. Consider data removal services. Tools such as Incogni help locate and request removal of personal data from hundreds of data broker sites. Monitor your IRS account and credit reports. Unexpected activity could signal tax identity theft. Identity theft protection - 58% off Sign up with Incogni before April 15 to get the discount and help prevent tax scammers from targeting you. 58% off Incogni with code TAXSAFE58 FAQs What is the IRS Dirty Dozen list? The IRS Dirty Dozen is an annual list of the most common tax scams targeting taxpayers, businesses and tax professionals. The list highlights schemes such as phishing emails, ghost tax preparers, fake tax credits and identity theft. The goal is to help taxpayers recognize warning signs and avoid fraudulent tax advice or scams. What does an IRS scam call sound like? IRS scam calls typically involve urgent threats or payment demands. A caller may claim you owe back taxes and must pay immediately to avoid arrest, lawsuits or penalties. Scammers often request payment through gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency. The IRS does not demand immediate payment over the phone. Can someone file taxes in my name without me knowing? Yes. This type of fraud is known as tax identity theft. A criminal may use stolen personal information, such as your Social Security number, to file a tax return and claim a refund. Victims often discover the fraud when their legitimate return is rejected or they receive IRS notices about a return they did not file. Is it a scam if someone asks you to pay taxes with a gift card? Yes. Requests to pay taxes using gift cards, prepaid debit cards or cryptocurrency are a major scam warning sign. The IRS does not accept gift cards as payment and does not demand immediate payment through unusual methods. How do scammers know your personal information? Scammers often gather personal details from data broker websites, public records and online databases. These sources can contain information such as phone numbers, addresses, relatives and employment history. Criminals may use this data to make scam calls or messages appear more convincing. What should you do if you receive an IRS scam call or message? If you receive a suspicious call, email or text claiming to be from the IRS, do not provide personal or financial information and avoid clicking links or downloading attachments. Here’s what to do instead: Hang up or delete the message Report phishing emails or texts to phishing@irs.gov  Report IRS impersonation scams to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) Contact the IRS directly through IRS.gov if you are unsure whether a notice is legitimate Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. 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