The IRS does not send text messages about your tax refund
The Internal Revenue Service will not text you about a refund, a tax bill, or anything else related to your account. If you receive a text message claiming to be from the IRS, it is not from the IRS — it is a scam designed to steal your personal information or money.
The IRS contacts people in three ways only: by mail, by phone (when you call them first), or through your account on IRS.gov if you have created one. Text messages are never part of how the IRS reaches out to you, no matter what the message says or what phone number it appears to come from.
Scammers send millions of these fake texts every year because they work. The messages often sound urgent and official. They may ask you to click a link, call a number, or provide your Social Security number, date of birth, or bank details. Falling for one of these messages can lead to identity theft or money stolen from your account.
Key Takeaways
- The IRS never sends text messages, emails, or social media messages about refunds or tax accounts.
- The only ways the IRS contacts you are by mail, by phone when you initiate the call, or through a find account you create on IRS.gov.
- Any text claiming to be from the IRS is a scam — do not click links, call numbers in the message, or share personal information.
- If you receive a suspicious text, forward it to PHISHING@IRS.GOV and delete it when ready.
- You can check your refund status anytime on IRS.gov using the "Where's My Refund?" tool without waiting for the IRS to contact you.
How the IRS actually contacts you about a refund
The IRS sends refund information by mail. This is the primary way you will hear about your refund status. The letter will come from an IRS office and will include your name, address, and details about your return. Real IRS mail has an official letterhead and a specific IRS address on the envelope.
If the IRS needs to call you, they will only do so after you have called them first or after you have received a letter asking you to call. The IRS does not make unsolicited phone calls to people about refunds. If someone calls claiming to be from the IRS about a refund you did not ask about, hang up — it is a scam.
You can also check your refund status yourself at any time without waiting for the IRS to contact you. The "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov shows you the status of your return and when your refund will arrive. This is the fastest way to get an answer if you are wondering where your money is.
What scam texts look like and why they work
Fake IRS texts usually create a false sense of urgency. They may say your refund is delayed, your account is locked, there is a problem with your return, or you need to verify your information. The message typically includes a link or a phone number and asks you to act right away.
Some scam texts mimic the format of real government messages so closely that they look legitimate at first glance. They may use official-sounding language or include partial information that seems real. Scammers sometimes spoof phone numbers so the text appears to come from a government agency or a local number you recognize.
These messages work because people are often anxious about their taxes and refunds. When you see an urgent message about money, your instinct is to respond quickly. Scammers count on this. They know that if you click a link or call a number in the message, they can trick you into giving up information or money.
What to do if you receive a suspicious text
Do not click any links in the message. Do not call any phone number listed in the text. Do not reply to the message. straightforward delete it.
If you want to report the text to the IRS, forward it to PHISHING@IRS.GOV. Include the full text of the message and the phone number it came from if you can see it. The IRS uses these reports to track scam patterns and warn the public.
You can also report the message to your phone carrier. Most carriers have a way to report spam or phishing texts through your account or by forwarding the message to a specific number. Check your carrier's website for instructions.
Protecting yourself from tax refund scams
Remember that the IRS will never ask you for personal information by text, email, or social media. They will never ask you to click a link or read something. They will never threaten you with arrest or legal action by text message.
If you are unsure whether a message is real, contact the IRS directly. You can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 (the official number listed on IRS.gov) or visit IRS.gov in person. Do not use a phone number from the suspicious message.
Be especially careful if you have recently filed a return or are expecting a refund. Scammers know when tax season is happening and increase their efforts during these times. Stay alert, but remember that you are in control — you can always check your refund status yourself without waiting for anyone to contact you.
How to check your refund status without waiting for contact
The "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov is available 24 hours a day. You will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return. The tool updates once a day, usually overnight, so check back if you do not see your information right away.
You can also call the IRS refund hotline at 1-800-829-1040. Have your Social Security number and return information ready. Wait times can be long during tax season, but you will reach a real person who can answer your questions.
If you filed your return electronically, your refund typically arrives within 21 days. If you filed by mail, it may take longer. The IRS will send you a letter with the refund date once it has processed your return. You do not need to do anything else — the money will be deposited into your bank account or mailed to you as a check, depending on how you requested it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the IRS contact me by email about my refund?
No. The IRS does not send emails about refunds, accounts, or tax matters. Any email claiming to be from the IRS is a scam. Do not click links or open attachments in these messages. You can report them to PHISHING@IRS.GOV.
What if I clicked a link in a suspicious text?
Stop and do not enter any information. Close the browser or app when ready. Monitor your bank and credit accounts for unusual activity. Consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) if you are concerned about identity theft.
Is it safe to use the "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov?
Yes. IRS.gov is the official website of the Internal Revenue Service. Make sure you are on the real site by typing the address directly into your browser rather than clicking a link from an email or text. Look for "https" and a lock icon in the address bar.
What if I gave my Social Security number to a scammer?
Contact the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov to report the incident and create a recovery plan. You may also want to contact your bank and credit card companies to let them know. Consider freezing your credit with the three major bureaus to prevent someone from opening accounts in your name.
How do I know if a phone call from someone claiming to be the IRS is real?
Hang up and call the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 using the number on IRS.gov or your tax return. Real IRS agents will not be offended if you verify their identity this way. If the caller was real, they will have a record of trying to reach you.