How to Spot Tax Scams in 2025

Tax season is already stressful enough without scammers trying to swoop in and steal your personal information—or even your refund. Unfortunately, every year, tax-related scams evolve, and in 2025, fraudsters are getting bolder and more sophisticated in their tactics.

In fact, the IRS flagged more than 1 million tax-related identity theft cases in 2023 alone. Whether you're filing for the first time or you've been doing your taxes for years, staying informed can help you avoid financial loss and identity theft.

Whether you're filing for the first time or you've been doing taxes for years, knowing the common scams can help you avoid financial loss and identity theft.

Here’s a breakdown of the top tax scams to avoid in 2025—and what you can do to protect yourself.

what are the most common tax scams?

• IRS impersonation scams: A scammer calls, emails, or texts pretending to be the IRS, demanding payment or personal details.
• Phishing emails and fake websites: These may look official but fraudsters send fake IRS emails with links to bogus websites designed to steal your information.
• Tax preparer fraud: Some fraudulent tax preparers file false returns or steal your refund.
• Fake tax relief or debt assistance companies: These scammers promise to settle your debt or reduce what you owe in exchange for upfront payments—then vanish.
  Stolen tax refunds (identity theft): Someone files a fraudulent return in your name before you do, stealing your refund.

how can i tell if a tax call, text, or email is fake?

Scammers rely on urgency and fear to get you to act fast. Here's what to look out for:

• The message demands immediate payment or threatens legal action, arrest, or license suspension.
• You're asked to pay using gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
• There are typos, strange email addresses, or poor grammar in the message.
• The IRS is contacting you out of the blue by phone, text, or email - they won’t. They always reach out by mail first.

how can i avoid tax preparer scams?

While most tax professionals are trustworthy, some unethical preparers may steal refunds, overcharge for services, or file fraudulent returns. To protect yourself:

• Choose a reputable tax preparer: Look for professionals with a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) and check reviews before hiring.
•  Never sign a blank tax return: A preparer should never ask you to sign a return without reviewing it first. Always review your return before signing and ask questions if anything seems off.
• Be cautious of “too good to be true” refund promises:  Scammers may promise big refunds by falsifying info, which can get you in trouble with the IRS later.
  
• Make sure your refund is deposited into your own account: Some fraudulent preparers have refunds sent to their own accounts instead.

what should i do if someone files a tax return in my name?

If you try to file your taxes and receive a notice that a return has already been filed, you may be a victim of tax identity theft. 

Here’s what to do:

• File Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) at IRS.gov.
• Check your credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com for suspicious activity.
• Place a fraud alert with one of the three credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion).
• Report the identity theft at IdentityTheft.gov.

Via Giphy

what should i do if i get scammed?

 If you’ve fallen victim to a tax scam, take action immediately to minimize damage:

• If you gave personal information: Contact the IRS, freeze your credit, and monitor your financial accounts.
• If you paid a scammer: Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and file a police report.
• If your tax refund was stolen: File an Identity Theft Affidavit (Form 14039) with the IRS and follow their instructions to recover your refund.

what’s next?

The best way to protect yourself this tax season is to stay informed, cautious, and skeptical of anything that feels off. If you get a suspicious message or call, don’t engage—just verify it directly through IRS.gov.

Want to stay one step ahead of scammers all year long?

Check out our Common Scams to Avoid article to learn more ways to protect your personal and financial information.