TAX season is nearly over, but many Americans are still filing up until the deadline on April 15.
There are several ways to submit a return, but experts have urged taxpayers to remain aware of potential scams.
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Fraudsters are highly active during this time of year because of all the financial information floating around for the sake of taxes, and those sensitive details could easily be stolen.
Additionally, with recent job cuts at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and reports of more potentially on the way, the federal agency’s response to scams reported by consumers could be slowed, according to what CEO of Parameter Security, Dave Chronister, recently told ABC News.
“Uncertainty is probably one of the biggest motivating emotions that social engineers take advantage of,” Chronister said.
The expert said this could mean offers of “new” filing methods sent out by the bad actors in 2025.
That means it’s more vital than ever for Americans to stay aware.
Scams could arrive as phone calls, emails, or texts where the criminal impersonates an employee from the IRS.
They could also appear as advertisements on social media for uncharacteristically large refund amounts.
The average refund for the 2024 tax year is currently around $2,065 and about eight million Americans have already gotten them.
If contacted in any form, Americans should be conscious of at least four red flags that could mean they’ve encountered a tax scam.
WATCH OUT
First, cybersecurity experts like Chronister note that a scam will typically express a sense of urgency.
This could be through messages saying to click fast on a link or threatening legal action if you don’t comply.
Secondly, the scammers intend to isolate taxpayers from verifying whether or not the information in the phone call, text, or email is accurate.
They’ll stress that a financial advisor or family member cannot be trusted.
Third, there will almost always be promises of a generous payment, but it comes with a consequence or price.
2025 Tax Season
Tax season started on January 27 and folks must have theirs completed filed on April 15.
Those who fail to file by that time may face penalties.
However, taxpayers who need more time may file for an extension – this gives them until October 15.
The way to do this is by filling out Form 4868, the Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.
This can be done by mail, online with an IRS e-filing partner, or through a tax professional.
While there’s no set schedule, the IRS revealed that taxpayers may receive refunds within 21 days of filing.
Just be sure to avoid making mistakes on any forms as that could tack on extra time.
Those filing through mail will likely get their returns within a month or could even face delays as the IRS processes millions.
As of January 31, the average refund amount totaled $1,928, per the IRS.
This is compared to the $1,395 for the same period in 2024.
The average direct deposit refund for 2025 was even higher, the IRS said, at $2,069.
To check the status of your refund, The IRS has an online tool called Where’s My Refund?
This works within 24 hours of e-filing and generally within four weeks of filing a paper return.
For example, some scammers claim to be “ghost” preparers who file taxes for Americans for a fee and pledge to make their refund astronomical, but this is never the case.
If the information is given to the fake filers, they could submit a fraudulent return in a taxpayer’s name with inflated income or pretend deductions and switch the bank account numbers out to get the cash directly.
Lastly, don’t click on any suspicious website links.
Chronister said it doesn’t take much for Americans to mistake a tax filing scam for something real, all it takes is a “little bit of common knowledge” for them to “nudge you” in their direction.
It’s important to remember that the IRS doesn’t ever initiate conversation with Americans over email, text, or social media applications where they request personal details.
The IRS also has its “Dirty Dozen” list of tax scams it encounters most often for Americans to watch out for and protect themselves from to avoid identity theft and fraud.
FILE NOW
Of course, the best way for taxpayers to protect themselves from any scams and ensure they get a fast return is to file as soon as possible.
The expert noted that it’s best to not stray from what Americans know in previous filing years.
“If you’ve always been using TurboTax, use TurboTax. If you always use an accountant, use your accountant,” he told ABC News.
The U.S. Sun also spoke with experts who advised these other tips to get the biggest refunds as quickly as possible:
- File electronically
- Set up direct deposit
- Ensure ALL information is correct and all forms are included
Refunds have been about 32.4% lower this year than in 2024.
Taxpayers should also keep track of some critical details to avoid payment delays.
