Tax Tip 2022-15: Tax season is prime time for phone scams

Internal Revenue Service (IRS) sent this bulletin at 01/27/2022 10:03 AM EST

IRS Tax Tips

January 27, 2022

Issue Number: Tax Tip 2022-15

Taxpayers beware: Tax season is prime time for phone scams

With the new tax season starting this week, the IRS reminds taxpayers to be aware that criminals continue to make aggressive calls posing as IRS agents in hopes of stealing taxpayer money or personal information.

Here are some telltale signs of a tax scam along with actions taxpayers can take if they receive a scam call.

The IRS will never:

Call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. Generally, the IRS will first mail a bill to any taxpayer who owes taxes.
Threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law enforcement groups to have the taxpayer arrested for not paying.
Demand that taxes be paid without giving taxpayers the opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed.
Call unexpectedly about a tax refund.

Taxpayers who receive these phone calls should:

Record the number and then hang up the phone immediately.
Report the call to TIGTA using their IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting form or by calling 800-366-4484.
Report the number to phishing@irs.gov and be sure to put “IRS Phone Scam” in the subject line.

More information:
Tax Scams and Consumer Alerts
Report Phishing and Online Scams

Share this tip on social media -- #Tax season is prime time for phone scams. https://go.usa.gov/xtKXJ

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Tax Tip 2022-15: Tax season is prime time for phone scams

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Issue Number: Tax Tip 2022-15