Every spring, Americans perform the same civic ritual. We gather W-2s, hunt down passwords we swore we’d remember, and promise—again—that next year we’ll file early.
And every spring, the scammers show up right on time.
They don’t kick in the door. They sneak in through confusion. Maybe it’s a text that looks official. Maybe it’s a voicemail that sounds serious. Or a legitimate-sounding social media post. Suddenly, you’re told you owe money to the IRS or the state, and you have to pay up right now.
They’re counting on you to panic. The fix? Take a step back.
How the IRS and State Tax Agencies Actually Contact You
Here’s one rule that could save you real money this tax season:
Neither the IRS nor your state Department of Revenue initiates contact by text message, email, social media, or unsolicited phone calls demanding immediate payment.
That’s not how the IRS or your state does business.
If there’s a real problem with your taxes, you’ll get a letter in the mail. It’ll spell out what’s wrong and give you time to respond. No surprise demands, no rush jobs, just a paper trail you can follow.
If someone is rushing you, threatening you, or demanding you pay right now, stop. That’s not how real tax agencies work. It’s almost always a scam.
Five Red Flags Every Taxpayer Should Recognize
If a message claiming to be from the IRS or your state tax office does any of the following, assume it’s fake:
1. Uses urgent language like “final notice,” “account seizure,” “license suspension,” or “law enforcement action”
2. Demands payment via gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or payment apps
3. Includes links asking you to “verify” tax or bank information
4. Arrives as an unsolicited text message or email
5. Pressures you to act immediately without consulting a tax professional
What to Do If You Get a Suspicious Tax Message
If you’re not sure a tax message is real, hit pause and check it out:
- Visit IRS.gov for federal tax information
- Go directly to your state Department of Revenue’s official website (typed in yourself)
- Use verified phone numbers—not those provided in unsolicited messages
- Consult a trusted CPA or tax professional before sending money
Don’t trust links, phone numbers, or payment instructions that show up out of nowhere.
Scams vs. Fraud: A Distinction That Matters
Tax scams are on the rise, not because banks or tech have failed, but because criminals have become more skilled at tricking people.
That’s why it matters to know the difference between a scam and fraud, especially when lawmakers start talking about solutions. Scams occur when criminals trick individuals into authorizing payments themselves. Fraud occurs when criminals access accounts and spend money without authorization.
Most people who lose money during tax season get scammed, not hacked. The crooks are often overseas, running big operations—some have even been trafficked—and they’ve become experts at talking people into sending money for fake reasons.
If we call every scam “fraud,” we end up blaming the wrong people and missing what’s really going on.
Why Blaming Banks or Tech Platforms Misses the Point
When people lose money, voters and lawmakers want someone to blame. But targeting banks or payment apps just because crooks use them won’t stop the scams.
Criminals move fast. Shut down one way to scam, and they find another, often from outside the country.
What actually works is much simpler:
- Clear taxpayer education about how legitimate tax agencies communicate
- Encouraging verification before payment
- Targeted enforcement against organized criminal activity
The best defense against scams isn’t a new law. It’s a taxpayer who is educated and knows what to look for.
A Little Knowledge Goes a Long Way
Scammers win by making you feel rushed and confused. Once you know how real tax agencies work, their tricks don’t stand a chance.
So this tax season, slow down. Double-check. Ask one more question before you pay.
A few minutes of caution can save you thousands and help keep scammers out for good.
Tax Scam FAQs: Quick Answers for Taxpayers
Is the IRS allowed to text or email me about unpaid taxes?
No. The IRS does not initiate contact by text message, email, social media, or direct message to demand payment. Legitimate IRS contact usually begins with an official letter sent through the mail.
Can my state Department of Revenue contact me by text or phone?
State tax agencies follow similar rules. While states may send general reminders in limited circumstances, they do not demand immediate payment by text, email, or robocall. Any message pressuring you to pay right away should be treated with intense skepticism.
What should I do if I get a call saying I owe state or federal taxes?
Do not provide personal or financial information. Hang up, then verify your status by visiting IRS.gov or your state Department of Revenue’s official website using a trusted link you enter yourself.
Is it ever legitimate to pay taxes with gift cards, cryptocurrency, or payment apps?
No. Neither the IRS nor state tax agencies accept payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or peer-to-peer payment apps. Requests for payment through these methods are a clear sign of a scam.
What’s the difference between a tax scam and tax fraud?
A tax scam occurs when someone tricks you into authorizing a payment. Fraud occurs when money is taken from your account without your permission. Most tax-season losses involve scams, not fraud—a distinction that matters for both consumers and policymakers.
Who is responsible when someone is scammed into sending money?
Scammers—not banks, payment platforms, or technology companies—are the criminals. These schemes often involve organized criminal networks, frequently operating overseas, that rely on deception rather than system breaches.
How can I check if I really owe federal or state taxes?
You can review your federal tax account at IRS.gov and check your status with your state Department of Revenue through its official website. A CPA or licensed tax professional can also help verify legitimate tax obligations.
Where should I report a tax scam?
Suspicious messages claiming to be from the IRS can be reported at IRS.gov. Many state Departments of Revenue also provide fraud-reporting tools on their official websites. Further, if you believe you have been scammed, you should work with local law enforcement to report it.