Tax Tip 2026-02: When preparing to file taxes, keep an eye out for scams

IRS Tax Tips

Jan. 8, 2026

Issue Number: Tax Tip 2026-02

When preparing to file taxes, keep an eye out for scams

It’s a new year and tax season is around the corner. Tax season is a busy time for criminals too as they ramp up efforts to trick people into sharing sensitive personal information. Identity thieves might use this information to try filing false tax returns and stealing refunds.

The IRS and Security Summit partners want taxpayers, tax professionals and businesses to keep a watchful eye out for the threats listed below.

Social media scams: Bad tax advice on social media can mislead taxpayers about their credit or refund eligibility. Influencers may convince taxpayers to lie on tax forms or suggest the IRS is keeping a tax credit secret from them. Social media posts may put taxpayers in touch with scammers.
Phishing and smishing: The IRS frequently warns against phishing emails and smishing texts, which are common tactics used by criminals to steal personal and financial information. The impersonator wants taxpayers to send them money. Opening links and attachments may harm their computer.
Protection for seniors: Scammers target people over age 65 or nearing retirement for personal or financial information or money. Often, once seniors give them money, they ask for more. When scammers trick them to withdraw from their retirement account, it could affect their taxes.
Protections for businesses and tax professionals: The IRS reminds tax professionals of their legal obligation to have a Written Information Security Plan and to use multi-factor authentication. Businesses are also advised to update their security measures and remain vigilant against cyberattacks.
Identity Protection PIN: An identity protection PIN is a six-digit number that prevents someone else from filing a tax return using a taxpayers Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number. If taxpayers don’t already have an IP PIN, they may get an IP PIN as a proactive step to protect themselves from tax-related identity theft. Anyone with an SSN or an ITIN can get an IP PIN including individuals living abroad.

More information

Subscribe to IRS Tax Tips

Thank you for subscribing to IRS Tax Tips, an IRS e-mail service. For more information on federal taxes please visit IRS.gov.

This message was distributed automatically from the IRS Tax Tips mailing list. Please Do Not Reply To This Message.

Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com.

This service is provided to you at no charge by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

This email was sent to [email protected] by: Internal Revenue Service (IRS) · Internal Revenue Service · 1111 Constitution Ave. N.W. · Washington, D.C. 20535

Tax Tip 2026-02: When preparing to file taxes, keep an eye out for scams

Useful Links:

News Essentials

The Newsroom Topics

IRS Resources

Issue Number: Tax Tip 2026-02

IRS video tax tip: Get an Identity Protection PIN

IRS video tax tip: Tax Credits for New Electric Vehicles Purchased in 2022 or Before

Tax Tip 2023-71: Appeal a rejected offer in compromise

Tax Tip 2024-85: Employers must certify eligibility of new hires to claim the Work Opportunity Tax Credit

IRS Tax Tip 2026-33: Tax return filed: Here are ways to check the status of a tax refund

Tax Tip 2023-07: Taxpayers should avoid these common mistakes when they file their tax return

Useful Links:

News Essentials

The Newsroom Topics

IRS Resources

Issue Number: Tax Tip 2026-02

Similar Posts