As the 2025 tax season ramps up, a troubling new scam is targeting taxpayers: fake text messages impersonating the IRS. These fraudulent texts falsely promise economic impact payments (EIPs), also known as recovery rebate credits, in an attempt to steal sensitive personal information. Tax professionals are uniquely positioned to educate and protect clients from falling victim to these schemes.
The scam at a glance
Scammers are exploiting the promise of financial assistance by sending texts that claim to be from the IRS. These messages often include links to malicious websites or requests for personal information, such as Social Security numbers or bank account details. It’s important to remind clients that the IRS never communicates about EIPs or other sensitive matters via text.
“The rise in tax-related scams is troubling, especially when taxpayers are targeted during times of financial uncertainty,” said Scott Artman, CPA, CGMA, and CEO of NATP. “We urge taxpayers to stay vigilant and to consult trusted tax professionals who prioritize accuracy and integrity.”
How to spot an IRS text scam
Encourage clients to watch for these red flags:
Unsolicited text messages: The IRS does not send text messages for economic impact payments or other tax-related matters.
Suspicious links: Any URL that does not end in “.gov” should be treated as suspicious.
Requests for personal information: The IRS will never ask for Social Security numbers, bank details, or other sensitive information via text.
What clients should do if they receive a scam text
Provide your clients with a simple action plan:
Do not respond: Reassure clients that ignoring the message is the best first step.
Avoid clicking links: Scammers often use these links to steal information or install malware.
Report the message: Advise clients to report the scam text to the appropriate authorities or the IRS hotline.
How tax professionals can help
Tax professionals play a vital role in protecting clients from scams by staying informed and sharing best practices. Educate clients about common scams during appointments, include reminders in newsletters, and provide them with resources to verify legitimate IRS communications.
Stay vigilant this tax season
Scams like these can undermine taxpayer confidence and lead to costly consequences. By staying proactive and providing clear guidance, tax professionals can help clients navigate the 2025 tax season safely and with peace of mind. Anyone who receives the message can report it to the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration’s office.
About National Association of Tax ProfessionalsThe National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) is the largest association dedicated to equipping tax professionals with the resources, connections and education they need to provide the highest level of service to their clients. NATP is comprised of over 23,000 leading tax professionals who believe in a superior standard of ethics and exemplify professional excellence. Members rely on NATP to deliver professional connections, content expertise and advocacy that provides them with the support they need to best serve their clients. The organization welcomes all tax professionals in their quest to continually meet the needs of the public, no matter where they are in their careers.
The NATP headquarters is located in Appleton, WI. To learn more, visit www.natptax.com.
Information included in this article is accurate as of the publish date. This post is not reflective of tax law changes or IRS guidance that may have occurred after the date of publishing.