Beware Tax Season Scams: Protect Your Refund and Personal Data

Tax Season is Here: A Time for Caution

The IRS has begun accepting tax returns for the 2025 tax year, and while many eagerly await their refunds, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is sounding the alarm on an uptick in scams specifically targeting taxpayers. Now more than ever, it's crucial to protect your personal information and financial data.

The Dirty Dozen: Common Scams to Watch Out For

The FTC's recent notice outlines some alarming tactics employed by scammers this tax season. One prominent method involves fraudulent emails or texts purporting to be from the IRS or state tax offices, often containing subject lines such as “tax refund.” These messages typically inform recipients that their refund has been processed but requires identity verification via a dangerously enticing link. Clicking this link could lead to identity theft and financial ruin.

"The real IRS and state tax offices won't reach out by text, email, or social media for personal information. Only scammers will."

In conjunction with this phishing tactic, scammers may also place phone calls masquerading as IRS agents, claiming individuals owe back taxes and insisting on immediate payment. Don't be fooled. The FTC urges anyone receiving such calls to disconnect immediately, as they are likely attempts to harvest personal information.

Tax Scams: Year-Round Threats

Shockingly, tax-related scams aren't restricted to the filing season. The IRS maintains a year-round list of scams, aptly titled the “Dirty Dozen.” These scams range from phishing attacks to aggressive telemarketing schemes intended to exploit unsuspecting taxpayers. The message is clear—staying informed is essential to safeguarding your finances.

How to Report Scams

If you encounter false claims or have fallen victim to such scams, the IRS provides resources for reporting them. You can fill out Form 14242 to document suspected abusive tax promotions. Similarly, the FTC encourages reporting suspicious messages by selecting the “report junk” option on your phone or forwarding uncertain text messages to 7726 (SPAM).

Tracking Your Tax Refund: What You Need to Know

As you navigate this season, regularly check on the status of your tax refund through the IRS's “Where's My Refund” tool. For e-filed returns, updates typically become available within 24 hours. However, filers who opt for paper returns may encounter a longer wait, sometimes up to four weeks, due to processing delays. Here's the information you'll need:

• Social Security or Individual Taxpayer ID Number (ITIN)
• Your filing status, e.g., married filing jointly
• The exact refund amount shown on your return

Once you access the application, you'll see one of several statuses, such as:

1. Return Received: The IRS has received and is processing your return.
2. Refund Approved: The IRS has approved your refund and is set to issue it shortly.
3. Refund Sent: The IRS has dispatched your refund—either to your bank account or via mail.

Final Thoughts: Vigilance is Vital

As we embark on another tax season, I implore everyone to remain vigilant. The current landscape of financial fraud is ever-evolving, and being informed can be the difference between a smooth filing experience and a potential disaster. Trust your instincts, verify communications, and always prioritize the security of your personal data. Together, we can avert these threats and ensure a more secure tax filing experience.

In light of these warnings, I urge you to share this information with friends and family—knowledge is the best form of protection against these prevalent scams.