Common tax scams to look for
The IRS releases an annual Dirty Dozen list detailing the year’s biggest tax scams. Some common scams to watch out for this year include:
Fake emails and texts
The Bureau of Tax Enforcement is not a real organization.
Email phishing and text smishing scams continue to be some of the most popular scams this year, according to the IRS. Scammers may pose as the IRS, state tax agencies and tax software companies and send unsolicited messages to people. Typically, scammers will send fraudulent links that allow them to steal your personal information if you click on them.
Social media scams or bad advice
Social media is an easy place for scammers to advertise their supposed services. They can encourage you to submit your payment information, or they may offer bad tax advice that leads you to believe you need their services. For example, scammers frequently promote fake tax credits that either don’t exist or aren’t available anymore.
Misleading tax relief programs
Some malicious tax relief companies target people with tax debt. They’ll push legitimate IRS tax relief programs, like Offers in Compromise (OIC), on people who won’t qualify for the program. Victims who hire these companies end up paying thousands of dollars (or more) for a service they won’t get.
Tax refund claims
Scammers will tell you that you have an unclaimed tax refund, and they need your payment information to process your refund. When you do this, you give them access to your personal information and payment details.
A scam tax relief company might also contact you and say it can get you a big tax refund. If you decide to pursue it, you’ll have to pay the tax relief company a hefty fee for its services, only to be denied for tax relief later.
Outstanding tax bills
Scammers might notify you that you have an outstanding tax bill. They may even threaten legal action or seizure of your assets. Always confirm your bill with the IRS before paying anything.
Fake charities
Scammers typically set up fake charities whenever a natural disaster or a crisis is dominating the news cycle. They then take advantage of people by collecting money or personal information to further target individuals.
Protect yourself from tax relief scams
Here are some tips to keep in mind to protect yourself from tax relief scams:
Know how the IRS will contact you
The IRS will generally contact you for the first time via mail from the U.S. Postal Service. It will not contact you for the first time by phone, text or email. Also, the IRS does not:
- Leave pre-recorded voicemails
- Request payment information via phone call or text message
- Send tax returns by email or text
If the IRS needs to serve a summons or subpoena or perform a seizure of assets, it will schedule a visit with you in advance. It will typically inform you via mail or a phone call.
Confirm notices or calls with the IRS
If you receive a phone call from someone claiming to be the IRS, request a reference number and then call one of the official IRS phone numbers to double-check its authenticity. Accordingly, if you think you owe taxes or have an outstanding issue, contact the IRS to confirm directly.
Alternatively, you can log in to your IRS online account (or create an account if you don’t have one) to confirm if you have any notices. You can also confirm that your IRS notice or letter is legitimate by searching for it on the IRS website.
Ignore unsolicited messages
Avoid robocalls, emails and text messages with urgent messages demanding payments, and don’t click any links that can leave your personal information vulnerable. Remember, all official links begin with “IRS.gov.”
Set up an Identity Protection PIN
You can request an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN). This is a six-digit number that will bar any scammers from posing as you when filing tax returns.
How to choose a legitimate tax relief service
Not all tax relief companies are scams. These tips can help you ensure the legitimacy of a company.
1. Compare services
Take the time to compare tax relief companies before hiring one. Look at the type of services they offer, certifications and pricing. Some companies charge a flat fee, while others take a percentage. Think about which structure works best for you based on your budget.
2. Check qualifications
Before committing to a specific tax relief company, make sure it has a valid tax identification number. You can look up the company on the IRS website to ensure its legitimacy. Check to see what kind of experience it has had dealing with more complex cases so you can be sure it is capable of handling your tax needs.
3. Read reviews
Online customer reviews are a great way to assess a company’s success rate and level of customer service. Learning about other customers’ experiences gives you a better idea of what to expect when working with a particular company.
4. Ask for a free consultation
Most legitimate tax relief companies will offer a free consultation. This is an opportunity to get more details about how their services can help your particular case. Be prepared with a list of questions so you can have all the information you need to make a well-researched decision.
» MORE: How to Get Help With Back Taxes
What to do if you’re a victim of a tax relief scam
If you are the victim of a tax relief scam, take the following steps:
- Cease all communications with the scammer and do not share any personal information or financials.
- Contact your financial institution to alert them in case your funds are accessed.
- Notify the IRS immediately. You can report it to the IRS online.
- File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
- Report the scam to your state tax agency.
Bottom line
The best way to protect yourself from tax relief scams is to open an online account with the IRS. This gives you access to important information like outstanding balances and payment history. You can even sign up for an IRS payment plan online so you don’t have to call and sit through a lengthy queue before speaking with an IRS representative.
FAQ
How much does tax relief typically cost?
Tax relief services vary in cost depending on the company and services you choose, as well as how much debt you have. Prices generally range from $250 to $10,000. Offers in compromise services tend to be among the most expensive offerings.
Is tax relief legitimate?
Yes, some tax relief companies are legitimate. Legitimate companies typically have transparent pricing, free consultations, money-back guarantees and licensed employees. Some signs that a tax relief company is not legitimate are if it asks for payment upfront, contacts you in a suspicious way, uses high-pressure tactics or promises to eliminate your debt. Be sure to do your due diligence in investigating a company’s legitimacy before trusting them with your information.
Is there really a tax forgiveness program?
The IRS doesn’t technically have tax forgiveness programs that will allow you to not pay your debt, but it does offer tax relief programs to help you delay, manage or reduce your debt. For instance, it offers payment plans, offers in compromise and temporary delays in collection.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Federal Communications Commission, “Tax Season Scams and Taxpayer ID Theft.” Accessed Jan. 22, 2026.
- Internal Revenue Service, “Recognize Tax Scams and Fraud.” Accessed Jan. 22, 2026.
- Internal Revenue Service, “Get an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN).” Accessed Jan. 22, 2026.
- Internal Revenue Service, “If You Were Scammed.” Accessed Jan. 22, 2026.
- Internal Revenue Service, “Dirty Dozen.” Accessed Jan. 22, 2026.
- Internal Revenue Service, “Dirty Dozen Tax Scams for 2025: IRS Warns Taxpayers to Watch Out for Dangerous Threats.” Accessed Jan. 22, 2026.
- Internal Revenue Service, “How to Know It's the IRS.” Accessed Jan. 22, 2026.
- Internal Revenue Service, “Get Help With Tax Debt.” Accessed Jan. 22, 2026.
