Tips to Avoid Tax Scams

Tax scams are fraudulent schemes that aim to trick you into paying money or revealing personal information to criminals. They can take many forms, such as phishing emails, fake websites, phone calls, text messages, or even in-person visits. Here are some tips for avoiding tax scams and protecting yourself from identity theft.

• Be wary of unsolicited contacts claiming to be from the IRS or other tax authorities. The IRS will never initiate contact with you by email, phone, text, or social media to request personal or financial information. If you receive such a contact, do not reply, click on any links, or open any attachments. Instead, report it to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov or call 1-800-366-4484.
• Verify the identity of anyone who claims to be a tax professional or a representative of a tax preparation company. Ask for their credentials, such as their Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN), and check them on the IRS website at https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/verify-the-status-of-an-enrolled-agent. You can also use the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers at https://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf to find qualified and reputable tax preparers in your area.
• Review your tax account and credit reports regularly for any signs of unauthorized activity. You can access your tax account online at https://www.irs.gov/payments/view-your-tax-account or by calling 1-800-908-9946. You can also get a free copy of your credit report every 12 months from each of the three major credit bureaus at https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action or by calling 1-877-322-8228.
• Protect your personal and financial information online and offline. Use strong passwords, encryption, and antivirus software for your devices and accounts. Do not share your Social Security number, bank account number, or other sensitive information with anyone you do not trust. Shred any documents that contain such information before disposing of them. Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks or computers for online transactions or tax filing.
• Report any suspected tax scams to the appropriate authorities as soon as possible. If you think you are a victim of identity theft or tax fraud, contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490 or visit https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams for more information and assistance. You can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or call 1-877-FTC-HELP.