The IRS does not initiate contact with you by text message about your refund
The Internal Revenue Service does not send unsolicited text messages about tax refunds, tax returns, or account status. If you receive a text claiming to be from the IRS about a refund, it is a scam. The IRS communicates through mail only, never through text, email, or phone calls that they initiate.
This is one of the most common tax-related scams because it works: people expect refund notifications and panic when they see an urgent message. The scammer's goal is to get you to click a link, call a number, or provide personal information. Once you do, they have what they need to file a fraudulent return in your name or drain your bank account.
The real way to track your refund is through the IRS website using the Where's My Refund tool, which you access yourself on irs.gov. You control when you check it. You are never waiting for the IRS to tell you something has happened.
Key Takeaways
- Any text message claiming to be from the IRS about your refund is fraudulent; the IRS never initiates contact by text, email, or phone.
- The IRS communicates only through official mail sent to your address on file, and only after you have filed a return or they have initiated an audit.
- Track your refund yourself using the Where's My Refund tool on irs.gov, which updates every 24 hours once your return is processed.
- If you receive a suspicious text, do not click any links or call any numbers in the message; forward it to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov instead.
How the IRS actually contacts you about refunds
The IRS sends refund information by mail only. If your return has been processed and a refund is on the way, you will receive a notice in the mail that includes the refund amount, the method of delivery (direct deposit or check), and the expected date. This notice arrives after the refund has already been issued, not before.
You will not receive a notification asking you to confirm your identity, update your bank account, or take any action. If a letter from the IRS asks you to do something, it is either about a problem with your return (like a missing form or incorrect information) or an audit notice. Even then, the letter tells you exactly what to do and gives you a mailing address to respond to.
The IRS has no way to send you a text message unless you have previously set up two-factor authentication on your IRS Online Account. Even then, the IRS does not use text to notify you about refunds—only to verify your identity when you log in to check your account yourself.
What scammers do with the information they collect
When you click a link in a fake IRS text, you land on a page that looks like irs.gov but is controlled by the scammer. They ask for your Social Security number, date of birth, filing status, and sometimes your bank account or credit card number. With this information, they can file a fraudulent tax return in your name before you file your real one.
A fraudulent return filed first claims your refund. By the time you file your actual return, the IRS has already processed the fake one and issued a refund to an account the scammer controls. You then discover the fraud when you file and the IRS tells you a return has already been filed under your name. Recovering that refund takes months and requires filing a Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, with the IRS.
Scammers also use the personal information to open credit accounts, take out loans, or sell your data to other criminals. The damage extends far beyond the refund itself.
How to check your refund status safely
Go to irs.gov directly—do not click a link from an email, text, or search result. Once you are on the official IRS website, look for the Where's My Refund tool. You will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return.
The tool updates once per day, usually overnight. It tells you whether the IRS has received your return, whether it is being processed, and the expected deposit date once processing is complete. If your return was filed electronically, you typically see a status update within 24 hours. If you mailed a paper return, it can take three to four weeks before the IRS enters it into the system.
You can also create an IRS Online Account on irs.gov, which lets you view your return transcript and see the status of any refunds or payments. This account requires you to verify your identity through a third-party service the first time you log in, but once it is set up, you can check your account anytime without providing sensitive information again.
What to do if you receive a suspicious text
Do not click any links in the message. Do not call any phone number in the text. Do not reply to the message. Delete it.
If you want to report it, forward the text to phishing@irs.gov. Include the full message and the phone number it came from. The IRS uses these reports to track scam campaigns and shut them down, though you will not receive a response.
You can also report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. The FTC does not investigate individual cases, but the information helps them identify patterns and warn the public.
If you already clicked the link or provided information
If you clicked a link and entered your Social Security number or other personal information, assume the scammer has it. The next step is to monitor your credit and watch for fraudulent tax returns filed in your name.
Place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting one of them; they will notify the other two. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can place an alert for free by phone or online, and it lasts one year.
File your tax return as soon as you can. If a fraudulent return has already been filed, the IRS will reject your return and send you a notice. At that point, file Form 14039 with the IRS and follow their instructions for resolving the identity theft. Keep copies of everything you send and all correspondence from the IRS.
If the scammer also obtained your bank account or credit card information, contact your bank and card issuer when ready. Ask them to flag your account for fraud and issue you new cards. Monitor your statements closely for unauthorized charges.
Red flags that separate real IRS mail from scams
Real IRS mail comes from an official IRS address and includes a specific notice number (like CP2000 or CP14). The letter explains what the IRS found and what you need to do. It gives you a important date and a mailing address to respond to. It never asks you to confirm your identity or provide a Social Security number—the IRS already has that.
Scam messages use urgency and fear. They say your refund is delayed, your account is locked, or you need to verify information when ready. They include a link or phone number and pressure you to act now. Real IRS mail gives you time to respond and never creates artificial urgency.
Scam texts also often have spelling errors, awkward phrasing, or generic greetings like "Dear Taxpayer." Official IRS mail is formal and precise. If something feels off about the tone or the request, it probably is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the IRS text me if I set up an account with them?
The IRS can send a text only if you have enabled two-factor authentication on your IRS Online Account and you are logging in. Even then, the text is a one-time code to verify your identity—it never contains a link or asks you to take action. It will not notify you about refunds or account status.
What if the text came from a number that looks like it could be official?
Scammers can spoof phone numbers to make them appear to come from government agencies. A number that looks official does not mean the message is real. The IRS does not send texts about refunds, period. Delete it and report it to phishing@irs.gov.
How long does it usually take to get a refund after I file?
If you file electronically and request direct deposit, the IRS typically issues your refund within 21 days. If you mailed a paper return or requested a check, it can take four to six weeks. You can check the exact status anytime using the Where's My Refund tool on irs.gov.
What if I filed my return but the Where's My Refund tool says nothing has been received?
If you filed electronically, wait 24 hours and check again. If you mailed a paper return, it can take three to four weeks to enter the system. If more time has passed and the tool still shows nothing, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to confirm they received your return.
Can I get my refund faster if I call the IRS?
No. The IRS processes refunds in the order they are received. Calling does not speed up the process. The only way to know your refund date is through the Where's My Refund tool. If there is a problem with your return, the IRS will send you a letter explaining it.