Tax Season 2026 Is Here, and So Are the Scammers
By Greg Collier
Tax season isn’t just busy for the IRS. It’s prime time for fraud.
With the IRS set to begin accepting 2025 tax returns on January 26, 2026, and the filing deadline falling on April 15, scammers are already moving. Every year, thousands of taxpayers lose money and sometimes their identities to tax-related fraud that hits while people are distracted, rushed, or worried about penalties.
The Better Business Bureau has issued warnings about what to watch for during the 2026 filing season.
What’s Going On
Tax scams aren’t accidental or sloppy. They’re deliberate and increasingly sophisticated.
Scammers commonly use:
- Stolen Social Security numbers
- Fake tax preparers or “tax help” ads
- Phony IRS emails, texts, and letters
- Urgent claims that there’s a problem with your return or refund
Once someone has your personal information, they can file a tax return in your name and collect the refund before you ever submit yours.
The IRS PIN: An Extra Layer of Protection
One of the strongest tools available to taxpayers is the IRS Identity Protection PIN, often called an IP PIN.
This PIN:
- Is six digits
- Is known only to you and the IRS
- Helps prevent someone else from filing a return using your Social Security number or taxpayer ID
Once you enroll, you cannot opt out, and the PIN must be provided every year when you file your federal tax return.
That requirement exists for a reason. Identity thieves are excellent at collecting personal data, and once they have it, they can commit tax fraud without the victim realizing it until much later.
A Real-World Warning
The BBB reports receiving calls from victims whose taxes were filed fraudulently even when they had not worked or filed taxes themselves. In these cases, scammers used stolen identities to submit false returns, leaving victims to untangle the mess afterward.
This kind of fraud is precisely what the IP PIN is designed to stop.
Red Flags
The Internal Revenue Service does not initiate contact with taxpayers by:
- Text message
- Social media
Red flags that something isn’t legitimate include:
- Poor grammar or awkward wording
- Messages designed to scare or rush you
- Requests for sensitive personal information
- Links claiming there’s an urgent issue with your account or refund
If you receive an unexpected message claiming to be from the IRS, assume it’s a scam until proven otherwise.
Filing Safely in 2026
When it’s time to file your taxes:
- Work only with reputable, well-reviewed tax professionals
- Be wary of anyone promising unusually large or “guaranteed” refunds
- Avoid preparers who pressure you to act immediately or keep things secret
- Take time to research before handing over personal documents
Bottom Line
Tax scams thrive on stress and deadlines. The closer it gets to April 15, the more aggressive these schemes become.
Using an IRS Identity Protection PIN, staying alert for impersonation attempts, and choosing trustworthy tax help can dramatically reduce your risk. Filing your taxes is stressful enough. Don’t let scammers get there first.
Leave a Reply