Tax scams: checklist

Stop communicating with the scammer, report fake communications, and follow the necessary IRS steps and forms in cases of identity theft.

0/9 steps done

YOUR NEXT STEP

1. Stop communicating with the scammer

Do not send money or provide personal, financial, or employment-related information.

1. Stop communicating with the scammerDo not send money or provide personal, financial, or employment-related information.
2. Forward the fake email as an attachmentDo not reply, click any links, or open the attachment; send the email as an attachment to phishing@irs.gov.
3. Report the fake messageSend the message to phishing@irs.gov with the required information and forward it to 7726 (SPAM).
4. Report the suspicious call to TIGTAWrite down the number, hang up, and report it to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
5. Call your bank or card companyIf you sent money, contact your bank or credit card company.

6. Follow the steps at IdentityTheft.govIf your SSN or ITIN was stolen, report it to IdentityTheft.gov and the IRS.identitytheft.gov(Official site)
7. File your returnIf someone filed a return in your name, file your return and pay the tax due even if your electronic return is rejected.
8. Complete Form 14039Complete Form 14039, the Identity Theft Affidavit, online or by mail.
9. Get an IP PINGet an Identity Protection PIN through your IRS online account; this number prevents someone else from filing a return using your SSN or ITIN.

This content is general information, not legal advice.