Tax Season Tips: Safe Filing & Scam Smarts

Key Takeaways

• File electronically and use direct deposit
• Watch for IRS impersonators and urgent messages
• Pause before clicking or responding
• Use IRS.gov for trusted info and reporting

It’s Tax Season — time to get your refund on track and your personal info protected. Scammers know people are busy, so calls, texts, emails, and social media messages spike this time of year. A few smart filing habits and knowing what to watch for go a long way.

Get Your Files to the IRS Safely (irs.gov)

• E-file and use direct deposit. Faster, safer, and catches errors before your return is processed.
• Double-check your documents. W2s, 1099s, Social Security numbers, and bank info — small mistakes can delay your refund.
• Get an IP PIN. The IRS lets you get a personal ID number to prevent someone else from filing with your Social Security number.

Heads up: If you get an unexpected call, message, or notification claiming to be the IRS — especially one urging you to act quickly — it’s almost certainly a scam. 

Scam Signals 
The IRS highlights a Dirty Dozen list of the most common tax scams. Here’s what to watch for: 

• IRS impersonators: The IRS generally contacts people by mail only. Calls, texts, or social media messages requesting personal info are scams. 
• Urgent or threatening messages: Emails or texts that pressure you to click links or provide sensitive info. No bank or the IRS will ask for account details this way. 
• Too-good-to-be-true refunds or credits: Promoters may offer fake refunds or credits that don’t apply to most taxpayer

Pause Before You Click: If something feels urgent or out of the blue, pause before acting. Scammers rely on pressure to make you respond quickly. 

Trust Official Channels 
For guidance on filing, avoiding fraud, and reporting suspicious activity, 👉 visit IRS.gov.