The IRS does not send unsolicited text messages about your tax refund
The Internal Revenue Service does not initiate contact with you by text message, email, or phone call about your refund status. If you receive a text claiming to be from the IRS about a refund, it is a scam. The IRS contacts taxpayers by mail only, and only when you have initiated contact first or when there is a problem with your return that requires your response.
Scammers use text messages because they work fast and feel personal. A text message creates urgency and bypasses the skepticism many people have toward email. The IRS is aware of these schemes and has published warnings about them, but new variations appear constantly. The safest rule: if you did not ask for it, the IRS did not send it.
Key Takeaways
- The IRS never sends text messages, emails, or unsolicited phone calls about your refund or any tax matter.
- Any text claiming to be from the IRS asking you to click a link, verify information, or take action is a phishing scam.
- You can check your actual refund status through IRS.gov using the Where's My Refund tool, which requires your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount.
- If you receive a suspicious text, do not click any links or reply; forward it to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov and delete it.
- Legitimate IRS contact about a problem with your return comes by mail and includes a specific notice number and instructions for response.
How the IRS actually contacts you about refunds
The IRS communicates with taxpayers through the mail only. If there is a problem with your return—a missing form, a math error, or a discrepancy in income reporting—you will receive a letter explaining the issue, the notice number, and what you need to do. These letters come from an IRS office address and include a phone number you can call if you have questions.
If your refund is delayed or there is a hold on it, the IRS does not notify you proactively. You have to check the status yourself using the Where's My Refund tool on IRS.gov. This tool updates once per day, usually overnight, and shows whether the IRS is still processing your return, has approved it, or has issued it. The tool works for federal returns only; state refunds require checking your state tax authority's website.
What scam texts look like and what they ask you to do
Scam texts claiming to be from the IRS typically say something like "Your tax refund is ready" or "Verify your refund status" and include a link. They may claim there is a problem with your return, that you are owed money, or that you need to confirm your identity. Some texts impersonate the IRS by using a number that looks official or a sender name like "IRS" or "Internal Revenue Service."
The link in these messages leads to a fake website designed to look like IRS.gov. Once you land on it, you are prompted to enter your Social Security number, date of birth, filing status, refund amount, or bank account details. Scammers use this information to file false returns in your name, claim refunds they do not have a right to, or commit identity theft. Some texts ask you to call a number; the person who answers poses as an IRS agent and requests payment or personal information.
A few variations target people who have already filed. One common scam claims the IRS rejected your return and needs you to resubmit information. Another says your refund was deposited to the wrong account and asks you to confirm your banking details. None of these scenarios warrant a text message from the IRS.
How to check your refund status safely
To check your refund status without risk, go directly to IRS.gov in your web browser—do not click a link from an email or text. Once there, look for the "Where's My Refund" tool. You will need your Social Security number, filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.), and the exact refund amount from your return.
The tool shows one of four statuses: "Return Received" (the IRS has your return but is still processing it), "Approved" (the IRS has approved your return and is preparing to send the refund), "Sent" (the refund has been issued and is on its way), or "Delivered" (the refund has arrived). If your status shows "Sent," the tool also displays the delivery date and method—direct deposit or check.
Processing times vary. Most returns are processed within 21 days of filing, but some take longer if they are selected for review, contain errors, or claim certain credits. If your refund is delayed beyond the expected timeframe, the Where's My Refund tool will tell you why and what to do next.
What to do if you receive a suspicious text
Do not click any links in the text, do not reply to it, and do not call any number provided in it. Delete the message. If you want to report it, forward the text to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov. Include the full text of the message and the sender's phone number or email address if visible.
You can also report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. The FTC tracks these schemes and uses the reports to identify patterns and warn the public. Reporting does not recover your money if you have already sent it, but it helps prevent others from falling victim to the same scam.
If you clicked the link and entered personal information, monitor your credit report and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus. You can request a free credit report from each of the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) once per year at annualcreditreport.com. If you see accounts or inquiries you did not authorize, contact the credit bureau and the creditor immediately.
Why scammers target people waiting for refunds
Tax refund season is peak season for scams because millions of people are expecting money and are thinking about taxes. Scammers know that people in this mindset are more likely to act quickly and ask fewer questions. A text message that says "Your refund is ready—click here to confirm" feels urgent and official, especially if it arrives during the weeks when you are actually waiting for your money.
Scammers also exploit the fact that many people do not know how the IRS actually communicates. Because the IRS is a government agency and people associate government with official letters, a text message can seem plausible if you have not heard otherwise. The scammers count on this confusion and on the speed of text messaging, which gives you less time to think before you act.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the IRS contact me by phone about my refund?
No. The IRS does not call taxpayers about refunds or most other tax matters. If the IRS needs to reach you, it sends a letter. If someone calls claiming to be from the IRS, it is a scam. Hang up and do not provide any information.
What if I already clicked a link in a suspicious text?
If you clicked the link but did not enter information, you are likely safe—just delete the text and monitor your accounts. If you entered personal information like your Social Security number or bank details, contact your bank and credit card companies to alert them, and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus.
Is it safe to click a link if the text looks like it came from a .gov address?
No. Scammers can spoof sender addresses and phone numbers to make texts look official. The safest approach is to never click links in unsolicited texts or emails about your refund. Instead, go directly to IRS.gov in your browser and use the Where's My Refund tool.
How long does it take to get a refund after the IRS approves it?
If you chose direct deposit, the refund typically arrives within one business day of approval. If you chose a check, it takes seven to ten business days from the approval date. The Where's My Refund tool shows the expected delivery date once your refund has been sent.
What should I do if my refund never arrives?
Check the Where's My Refund tool first to confirm the status. If it shows "Delivered" but you have not received the money, contact your bank to see if the deposit was rejected. If the tool shows a different status, wait until the expected delivery date has passed, then call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to speak with an agent.