Watch Out for Tax Scams Targeting Professionals and Taxpayers

Tax Scams

Scammers never take a break, and both tax professionals and individual taxpayers remain top targets. Recent alerts from the IRS and California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) highlight new schemes designed to steal sensitive data, hijack tax filings, and trick victims into handing over money or personal information.

EFIN Scams

Tax professionals should be on high alert for scams involving their Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN). Criminals impersonate tax software providers and send fake emails requesting your EFIN—sometimes even asking you to fax it back. Once in possession of this information, fraudsters can file false returns using your credentials.

The IRS urges professionals:

• Do not respond to suspicious requests.

• Forward the email as an attachment to phishing@irs.gov.

• Report the scam to TIGTA.

• Notify the software provider being impersonated.

If client data may have been compromised, immediately contact your IRS stakeholder liaison for help in blocking fraudulent returns and beginning recovery steps. Legitimate requests for EFIN details will only come through a provider’s secure portal—not by email or fax.

FTB Scam Warnings

California taxpayers have also been targeted by text messages that appear to come from the FTB. These texts contain links to fraudulent websites designed to steal banking and personal information.

FTB advises:

• Do not reply to suspicious texts or emails.

• Avoid clicking links or downloading attachments.

• Verify any questionable messages by contacting the agency directly.

“Sadly, FTB and other California agencies constantly battle bad actors attempting to steal your money,” said State Controller and FTB Chair Malia M. Cohen. “If you ever have doubts about the authenticity of a message claiming to be from the FTB, IRS, or any other agency, reach out directly.”

Resources for verifying official FTB communications and reporting suspected scams are available on the FTB’s Scams webpage and Text Messaging page. Taxpayers can also call the FTB at 1-800-852-5711 or the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.

Bad Social Media Advice

The IRS further warns against following misleading tax “tips” circulating on TikTok, YouTube, and other platforms. Many encourage falsifying W-2s or claiming credits you’re not entitled to. Doing so could lead to audits, penalties, and even criminal charges.

The Bottom Line

Whether through fake emails, fraudulent texts, or misleading social media videos, scammers continue to look for ways to exploit the tax system. Stay cautious, verify all requests, and use official channels to report anything suspicious.