Yuxin Yang CPA

IRS Impersonation Scams – Did You Know?

Criminals continue to use IRS impersonation scams to steal money and personal information. Understanding how the IRS actually communicates can help you recognize and avoid these schemes.

The IRS generally initiates contact by sending a letter through the mail on official letterhead. If you have an IRS online account, you can log in to verify whether a notice is legitimate. If you are unsure, you can contact the IRS directly at 800-829-1040.

Scammers, however, often pose as the IRS in several ways:

By mail: Fake letters may look official but include incorrect contact details or suspicious language such as “in relation to your unclaimed refund.”

By email or text: The IRS does not initiate contact this way. Messages promising refunds, credits or urgent fixes often contain links to fraudulent websites designed to steal your information.

By phone: Scammers may leave threatening messages or demand immediate payment using gift cards or other unusual methods—tactics the IRS does not use.

In person: Unannounced visits are extremely rare. Most legitimate IRS appointments are scheduled in advance by letter.

If you suspect a scam, do not respond, click links or share information. Instead, contact the IRS using an official phone number to verify the situation.

Tax Filing & Quarterly Estimated Tax Payments Deadline on April 15

The general filing and payment deadline for 2025 federal tax returns is Wednesday, April 15th, 2026. If you are required to make quarterly estimated tax payments, the first payments for the January 1 – March 31 quarter are also due on April 15th.

If you have already filed and haven't received your refund yet, you can check its status using the IRS “Where's My Refund?” tool at https://www.irs.gov/refunds. The tool is updated once daily, typically overnight, so checking more frequently will not provide new information. Refund status is usually available within 24 hours after the IRS receives an electronically filed return. For paper returns, processing times are longer, and returns are handled in the order they are received.