Tax Season Scams 2026

Tax Season Scams 2026: Don’t Trust, Verify

According to the Internal Revenue Service, January 26, 2026, marks the official start of the 2026 filing season. With the deadline to file and pay taxes set for April 15, 2026, Tax Season Scams 2026 are already ramping up as many Americans begin gathering important financial documents and preparing to file.

Concurrently, cybercriminals are preparing as well. Seasonal events, such as tax season, lead to increased online activity. According to CNBC, “Americans lost 9.1 billion in fraud from tax and financial crimes”. For example, scammers are currently sending emails that appear to be official government communications. Some scams involve an email message urging recipients to download a PDF attachment and may even include instructions to paste a link into your browser if the button does not work.  The link is a key component of this scam as it takes the recipient to a fake webpage that begins downloading a file. Once opened, the file installs malware on your computer. This malware can steal login credentials and other sensitive information.

Cybercriminals are always looking for ways to access your data and your money, so staying alert is important during tax season.

Here are 5 tips from the Smart City Team to help you avoid tax season scams:

1. Keep your devices updated. Install the latest software updates recommended by the manufacturer. These updates often include important security protections.
2. At work, report suspicious emails to your IT/Security Department right away. Following the organization’s reporting process helps to identify threats quickly and protects everyone.
3. If you receive an unsolicited email from a government agency or financial institution, verify it through official channels before taking any action. Be cautious of unexpected messages, both email and physical letters. According to the IRS.gov website, “the IRS does notinitiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages, or social media platforms to request personal or financial information. If you are contacted by someone claiming to be from the IRS, do not give out any of your personal information over the phone, including requests for PIN numbers, passwords, or similar access information for credit cards, banks, or other financial accounts.”
4. If you use a tax preparer, inquire about their security protocols.
5. If you submit your taxes online, verify the site before doing so. Visit https://www.irs.gov/ for additional guidance and official tax filing information.

The IRS discontinued the Direct File pilot program in 2025. This means this free government-run filing option is not available this season. However, there are safe and free filing alternatives. Stay safe. Stay alert. Don’t fall victim to tax season cyber scams.

Visit the IRS website for the latest information and instructions.

Check out the Dirty Dozen for tax season scams.

Source:

Tax Season is primetime for scams. Here’s how to protect yourself

Federal Communications Commission, Tax Season Scams and Taxpayer ID Theft