Tax season is here, and unfortunately, so are scammers. The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) recently issued a new warning for 2025 about text messages impersonating the IRS. Here’s what you need to know to avoid this new tax scam and protect your tax information.
Context: The IRS Recovery Rebate Credit announcement
Scammers are taking advantage of a recent IRS announcement about special payments for taxpayers who did not claim the 2023 Recovery Rebate Credit. In summary:
- The Recovery Rebate Credit is a refundable tax credit for people who did not receive one or more of the 2023 Economic Impact Payments (also called stimulus payments).
- IRS data shows that many eligible taxpayers did not claim the credit.
- The agency is issuing automatic payments to eligible people who did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2023 tax returns.
What is the 2025 text message scam?
Now, scammers are targeting taxpayers with fraudulent text messages. These fake texts claim recipients will receive an Economic Impact Payment from the IRS. The messages may ask for sensitive personal information like bank account details or your Social Security number to receive the payment, which the scammers then use to steal your identity or financial information.
The IRS has made it clear that eligible taxpayers who didn’t claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2023 tax return will automatically receive their payments — no action is needed from you to get it. These payments will be sent via direct deposit or a paper check without any need for you to verify personal details through text messages or any other unsolicited communication.
How to spot and avoid a tax scam
Keep an eye out for these red flags when it comes to text messages or other correspondence claiming to be from the IRS:
- Type of communication: The IRS will never initiate contact with you via text message for things like Economic Impact Payments or to request financial information. If the agency needs to communicate with you, they will send you a letter or notice via mail or fax. The IRS will only send you a text or email with your express permission.
- Suspicious links: Remember that government websites always end in “.gov.” Scam texts may contain suspicious links to sites ending in “.com” or “.net.” Look closely at the link for any oddities or misspellings as well.
- Demands or threats: Be cautious of any text messages or other communication urging you to pay “now or else.” These types of messages might threaten arrest or deportation to bully you for personal information. They might also request unofficial forms of payment, such as gift cards.
Check out How to know it’s the IRS for more details about how and when the IRS may contact you.
Tips for avoiding tax scams
- Always double-check the phone number or website through which you’re contacted. The IRS will never initiate contact through a text message or email without your permission. Official IRS letters will always have an official form or letter number that you can look up on the IRS website via the Notices and Letters Search.
- When in doubt, reach out to the IRS to verify the correspondence is legitimate. Don’t respond to the suspected scammer — instead, go directly to the source at irs.gov and use the official phone numbers.
- Stay aware of common tax scams. Be cautious of any communication asking for financial information or personal details that seems out of place.
Other common tax scams to avoid this year
Tax scams can take many forms, so staying vigilant year-round is important. Some other common tax fraud schemes include:
- Phone calls claiming that you owe taxes and threatening you with arrest or other penalties. The IRS will never demand immediate payment over the phone or threaten arrest.
- Fraudulent tax preparers who charge high fees or promise big tax credits or tax refunds. Always verify the credentials of any tax preparer you work with.
- Phishing scams via email or social media that claim you’re eligible for a tax refund or need to update or verify your tax information.
- Fake charities: Only donations to qualified charities are tax-deductible. If you want to check if a charity is legitimate, look up tax-exempt organizations here.
- Disaster fraud: Scammers may contact you offering “help” with casualty loss claims or promises of big refunds.
If you believe you’ve fallen victim to a fake IRS identity theft or a phishing scam, check out our article What to Do If You’re a Victim of Tax Identity Theft.
How to report tax fraud
If you get a scam text, email, or other correspondence impersonating the IRS, follow these steps:
- Do not respond to the message.
- Do not click on any links or open attachments in the message.
- Report the scam to the IRS by calling 800-829-1040 and the TIGTA website. You can also forward suspected phishing emails to phishing@irs.gov.
- Delete the email or text.
The bottom line
Being informed and cautious can help you avoid falling for scams like the 2025 fake IRS text scam and keep your tax information safe this season. Stay safe, and remember: The IRS will never contact you by text messages to request sensitive information. If in doubt, always verify with the agency at irs.gov.