Protect Yourself from Tax Scams

Follow these tips to avoid scams during tax season and throughout the year.

Tips to Avoid Tax Scams

Fraudsters may pretend to be employees of Virginia Tax, the IRS, or other government agencies. They may contact you by phone, text, or email and claim that you violated a tax law, misused tax credits, or you owe money to Virginia or the federal government. Their goal is to pressure you into sharing sensitive personal information or sending payments.

• If you owe taxes to Virginia Tax, we will first contact you via mail by sending a bill to the address we have on file.

Remember, Virginia Tax will not:

• Request personal information through text messages, social media, or other insecure methods
• Send text messages with links asking for information or payment
• Demand payment using gift cards, prepaid debit cards, or wire transfers
• Threaten violence or arrest for unpaid taxes
• Revoke driver’s licenses, business licenses, or immigration status
• Demand payment without providing the opportunity to question or appeal 

Don't click links in unexpected or suspicious messages

If you receive a suspicious message, don't click on links or reply to the message.

• Report and delete unwanted messages.
• Review additional scam guidance from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Call us if you are unsure if a message is from us

if you’re ever unsure about a message or request, contact us. We're here to help.