IRS Alert: Your Refund Is Under Attack! Watch For These 12 Scams

With tax season underway in the Wenatchee Valley and across Washington, and the April 15 deadline approaching, the IRS is warning residents to watch out for a range of tax scams. The agency has just released its 2026 "Dirty Dozen" list, highlighting 12 common and evolving scams that target taxpayers’ money, identities, and personal information.

At the top of the list: IRS impersonation through email and text

This is also known as phishing and smishing. Scammers send urgent messages that appear to be official IRS notices, sometimes threatening penalties or using fake QR codes that redirect to fraudulent websites. These messages try to trick people into giving up Social Security numbers, bank information, or downloading harmful software. The IRS reminds everyone that it never contacts people this way; real communication always starts with a letter in the mail.

These robocalls use voice cloning and fake caller IDs to create a sense of urgency, demanding immediate payment or threatening arrest. The real IRS will never call to demand instant payment or ask for payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency.

This scam takes advantage of disasters or tragedies to solicit donations through fake websites or emails, collecting credit card details and personal information without offering a legitimate tax deduction.

Misleading tax tips and viral social media advice (which led to over 600 reported impersonators last year)

Identity theft targeting IRS online accounts

False claims for self-employment credits or undistributed capital gains

Unqualified "ghost" tax preparers

Inflated non-cash donations

Fake withholding information

Spear-phishing attacks on tax professionals

And finally, high-fee "Offer in Compromise" schemes that promise unrealistic debt relief.

For people in Washington working in agriculture, tech, or running small businesses, these scams can be especially damaging during tax season. To protect yourself, always check information directly on IRS.gov, avoid clicking on links from unknown sources, report suspicious messages to phishing@irs.gov, hang up on threatening calls, and consider getting an Identity Protection PIN for extra security. Staying alert can help keep your refund and your peace of mind safe this year.

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