Reporting Tax Scams

Last updated on July 25, 2023

When you encounter a tax scam, you have to be careful not to fall victim to it. Also, it’s important that you report it so the scammer isn’t able to dupe others. Whether it’s a scam email, phone call or a text message aimed at stealing your identity, it should be reported to the IRS, the Federal Trade Commission, or a law enforcement agency. Taxpayers can report scams directly to the IRS, using the applicable method:

If you want to report tax scams conducted by promoters of abusive tax schemes or preparers of fraudulent returns, you may send a completed referral form and attach any other information with it and mail it to:

Internal Revenue Service Lead Development Center

Stop MS5040

24000 Avila Road

Laguna Niguel, California 92677-3405

Fax: (877) 477-9135

To report abusive tax shelters and transactions, you may use the IRS hotline for abusive tax shelters. The Office of Tax Shelter and Analysis (OTSA) encourages taxpayers to report potentially abusive transactions that may be victimizing many taxpayers and poses a risk to the compliance efforts of the IRS. Such scams can be reported at:

Toll free (866) 775-7474

Mail:

Office of Tax Shelter Analysis

Internal Revenue Service

1973 North Rulon White Blvd.

LB&I:PFTG:OTSA – M/S 4916

Ogden, Utah 84404-5402

Fax (801) 620-5122

You may also report a tax scam anonymously. If you need to report phishing efforts, you should forward the email to phishing@irs.com without clicking on any links on the email or opening any attachments.