An IRS scam text is a fake message claiming to be from the IRS, usually about a refund you’re owed or a tax bill you must pay, with a link. The IRS says it doesn’t send text messages without your permission, and it normally contacts you first by mail. An unexpected IRS text with a link is a scam.
Don’t tap or reply. Send the details to phishing@irs.gov with the subject “Text”, forward it to 7726, report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and delete it.
This guide is part of our security guides. These texts show up all year, not just at tax time.
What an IRS scam text looks like
The FTC and IRS describe a few common versions. They all end with a link or a request for personal details.
- Refund approved. Your refund has been “processed” or “approved”, and you need to click to claim it or verify your identity.
- Rebate or stimulus payment. A payment is waiting if you confirm your bank details.
- You owe money. A balance is due today, with threats of penalties or legal action.
- Account problem. Your tax account is locked or needs updating.
The FTC says these texts try to get your Social Security number and bank account number. With those, a scammer can steal your real refund or open accounts in your name.
How the real IRS contacts you
The IRS explains how it actually reaches people on its “How to know it’s the IRS” page. Knowing this makes fakes easy to spot.
| Channel | What the IRS does |
|---|---|
| Normally the first contact, delivered by the U.S. Postal Service | |
| Text | Only if you opted in, from specific short codes |
| Only if you opted in, from addresses ending in irs.gov or irs@service.govdelivery.com | |
| Phone | May call about your account; won’t call to demand immediate payment, threaten arrest or tell you about a refund |
| Social media | A direct message on social media is never from the IRS |
| In person | Unannounced visits are rare; the IRS generally sends a letter first |
When you do owe tax, the IRS says payments go to the United States Treasury, or online through IRS.gov/payments. Never to a person, a gift card, a payment app or cryptocurrency. If anyone asks for gift cards, it’s a scam.
How to tell an IRS scam text from the real thing
- You never signed up for IRS texts. Then any IRS text is fake.
- It has a link to “claim”, “verify” or “pay”. The FTC says the real IRS and state tax offices won’t reach out by text, email or social media to get your information.
- It asks for your Social Security number, bank details or a login.
- It threatens or rushes you. The IRS says it won’t make threats, demand immediate payment, threaten arrest or deportation, or stop you from questioning what you owe.
- The web address is odd or misspelled. The IRS lists suspicious links and strange site addresses as warning signs. Real IRS pages are on irs.gov, so a site like irs-refund-help.com is fake.
Paste any link you’re unsure about into our link safety checker to see where it leads without opening it. But with IRS texts, you don’t need to check: if you didn’t opt in, it’s fake.
How to check your refund or tax balance safely
Skip the link and go to the IRS yourself by typing irs.gov into your browser.
- Refund status: use Where’s My Refund? on IRS.gov. You’ll need your Social Security number or ITIN, filing status, tax year and exact refund amount. You can also sign in to your IRS online account.
- What you owe: sign in to your IRS online account, or call the number printed on an IRS letter you received by mail.
- State refunds: the FTC suggests USA.gov to find the right official site for checking federal or state refunds.
How to report an IRS scam text
IRS.gov gives these steps for fake IRS texts:
- Don’t reply, tap links or open attachments.
- Email phishing@irs.gov with the subject line Text. Include the sender’s phone number, the message contents, your phone number, and the date, time and time zone you got it. A screenshot makes this easy.
- Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) so your wireless carrier can block similar messages.
- Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Delete the text.
For fake IRS emails, IRS.gov says to send them to phishing@irs.gov (subject “IRS” or “Treasury”, ideally forwarded as an attachment) and also report them to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) at tigta.gov. For fake IRS phone calls, write down the number, hang up and report it to TIGTA at tigta.gov or 800-366-4484. To cut down on scam texts in general, see how to stop spam texts.
If you already tapped the link or shared information
- If you entered bank or card details, call your bank or card company using the number on your card, and watch for unfamiliar charges.
- If you entered your Social Security number, go to IdentityTheft.gov for a personal recovery plan. The FTC says scammers may use it to claim your refund or open accounts in your name.
- If you entered a password, change it on the real site and anywhere you reused it, and turn on two-factor sign-in.
- If you paid, follow the FTC’s steps for how you paid, and report the loss to the FBI at ic3.gov as well as the FTC.
- Still report the text to phishing@irs.gov and 7726 as above.
Related guide: USPS Text Scam: How to Spot the Fake “Package” Text.
FAQ
Does the IRS send text messages?
Only if you opted in. The IRS says it doesn’t send texts without your permission and normally makes first contact by mail.
Will the IRS text me about my refund?
Not unless you signed up for texts. The FTC says texts about an “approved” refund with a link are a phishing scam. Check your refund with Where’s My Refund? on IRS.gov.
Where do I report an IRS scam text?
Email the details to phishing@irs.gov with the subject “Text”, forward the message to 7726, and report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Can the IRS contact me on social media?
The IRS says a social media direct message is never from the IRS.
What if I really do owe taxes?
You’ll normally get a letter by mail first. Pay only to the United States Treasury or through IRS.gov/payments, and check your balance in your IRS online account.
