Beware of Tax Season Scams: Protecting Your Personal Information and Finances in 2025
As tax season for 2025 kicks off, the IRS is cautioning taxpayers about phishing and smishing scams that aim to deceive individuals into divulging personal information. These scams often involve fake emails or texts claiming to be from the IRS or state tax offices, promising a tax refund that requires identity verification through a provided link. The Federal Trade Commission advises against clicking on such links to prevent potential data theft and refund fraud.
Scammers may also impersonate government officials over the phone, alleging unpaid taxes and offering to connect individuals with a 'tax resolution officer' for further assistance. These calls are designed to extract personal information from unsuspecting victims. The FTC recommends hanging up immediately upon receiving such calls to avoid falling victim to these schemes.
Tax-related scams are not limited to tax season, as the IRS has identified various fraudulent schemes that taxpayers should remain vigilant against throughout the year. Individuals can report suspicious tax activities using the IRS's online form or by forwarding scam messages to designated channels for investigation.
To track the status of their tax return, filers can utilize the IRS's "Where's My Refund" tool, which provides updates on electronically filed returns within approximately 24 hours. Paper filers may experience a longer wait time of about four weeks for their status to appear in the app due to manual processing requirements. The tool requires specific information from taxpayers to access personalized refund status updates.
By staying informed about common tax scams and utilizing official IRS resources for tracking refunds, individuals can safeguard their personal information and financial assets during tax season and beyond. Remain cautious of unsolicited communications and always verify the legitimacy of requests for sensitive data to protect yourself from potential fraud.