Tax Season Fraud: What Members Need to Know in 2026

Tax season is stressful enough on its own—but in 2026, scammers are more active and more sophisticated than ever. With new filing rules, the discontinuation of certain government‑run systems, and increasing use of AI to impersonate officials, taxpayers are facing a wide range of deceptive schemes designed to steal refunds, personal information, or even entire identities.

Below is a clear, member‑friendly overview of the most common fraud types to watch out for this year, backed by the latest IRS and cybersecurity guidance.

IRS Warns: Scammers Are Ramping Up Activity

The IRS has confirmed that identity thieves are increasing efforts ahead of the 2026 filing season, using tactics like phishing, smishing, social‑media scams, and impersonation of tax professionals. Criminals commonly aim to gather enough personal information to file fraudulent returns and claim refunds.

This year, the IRS highlights four growing problem areas:

• Bad tax advice on social media that encourages fraudulent credit claims
• Phishing emails and smishing texts designed to steal login or refund info
• Senior‑targeted fraud, especially involving retirement account withdrawals
• Cyberattacks on tax pros and businesses lacking proper security plans

“Tax Resolution” Phone Scams Are Surging

The FTC is tracking a rise in fake “Tax Resolution” calls, where scammers claim to represent government‑sounding agencies that can reduce or forgive back taxes. Their goal is to collect Social Security numbers or demand upfront fees. These callers often use urgent scripts such as “This may be our only attempt to reach you.” In reality, the IRS never initiates contact by phone to demand payment.

Fake IRS Emails, Texts, and Notices

Phishing remains one of the largest fraud categories this year. Scammers impersonate the IRS via:

• Emails claiming your refund is ready
• Texts saying your account is locked
• Notices requesting “verification” through a link
• Fake letters demanding payment through gift cards or digital transfers

The IRS explicitly states it does not contact taxpayers via text, email, or social media to request personal or financial information.

AI‑Powered Impersonation Makes Scams Harder to Spot

One of the biggest changes this year is the use of AI voice cloning and next‑level spoofing techniques. Scammers can now:

• Mimic an IRS agent’s voice using a few seconds of audio
• Create fake IRS login portals that look identical to real ones
• Personalize scams using leaked personal data

A major hook this season: fraudulent calls claiming issues with Form 1099‑DA, the new crypto reporting requirement taking effect this year. The IRS will never call to demand immediate action on such forms.

Confusion Around Filing Rules Fuels Scams

The end of the IRS Direct File pilot and shifting tax guidelines have created an environment where scammers thrive. Many taxpayers feel pressured to file quickly, and criminals exploit that sense of urgency with fake refund notices and “updated rules” messages.

When people doubt what’s official, scammers step in with convincing emails meant to push them into sharing data or making fast payments.

Other Common 2026 Scams to Watch For

Based on national banking and fraud alerts, additional 2026 red flags include:

• Fake tax preparers promising “guaranteed refunds” or unusually large credits
• Fees based on refund size, which reputable preparers do not charge
• Promotions tied to “new tax laws”, used as pretexts to gather information

Always verify credentials before sharing financial information with any preparer.

How Members Can Protect Themselves

Here are simple steps members can take to stay safe:

• Never click unsolicited links claiming to be from the IRS.
• Ignore urgent payment demands—the IRS always contacts through official mailed letters.
• Never pay taxes via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
• Sign up for an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) from the IRS—a proactive way to prevent fraudulent returns from being filed in your name.
• Go directly to IRS.gov if uncertain about any communication.
• Use trusted tax professionals, not pop‑up preparers or social media advice.

Sources:

IRS – “When preparing to file taxes, keep an eye out for scams” https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/when-preparing-to-file-taxes-keep-an-eye-out-for-scams (https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/when-preparing-to-file-taxes-keep-an-eye-out-for-scams)

Lifehacker – “Tax Scams to Watch Out for in 2026” https://lifehacker.com/money/tax-season-scams-2026 (https://lifehacker.com/money/tax-season-scams-2026)

WeLiveSecurity – “Taxing times: Top IRS scams to look out for in 2026” https://www.welivesecurity.com/en/scams/taxing-times-top-irs-scams-look-out-2026/ (https://www.welivesecurity.com/en/scams/taxing-times-top-irs-scams-look-out-2026/)

Fox News – “IRS impersonation scams surge targeting 2026 taxpayers during filing season” https://www.foxnews.com/tech/tax-season-scams-surge-filing-confusion-grows (https://www.foxnews.com/tech/tax-season-scams-surge-filing-confusion-grows)

Five Points Bank – “2026 Tax Scams to Watch Out For” https://www.5pointsbank.com/Resource/Blog/2026-tax-scams-to-watch-out-for (https://www.5pointsbank.com/Resource/Blog/2026-tax-scams-to-watch-out-for)

ScamAdviser – “They Sound Like the IRS but They’re Not: 2026’s Top Tax Scams” https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/the-top-5-tax-scams-taking-over-in-2026 (https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/the-top-5-tax-scams-taking-over-in-2026)