Before You Trust an IRS Notice...

Most people expect tax scams to arrive by text, email, or phone call. In 2026, that is still a major concern, but it is not the only one.

The IRS continues to warn taxpayers about impersonation scams involving phishing emails, text messages, fake refund claims, QR codes, spoofed phone calls, AI-generated voice tactics, and fraudulent letters sent through the mail. Scammers are not relying on one method. They are using whichever channel feels most believable in the moment.

One timely example is confusion around IRS Notice CP53E.

A real CP53E notice may be sent when a taxpayer is due a refund, but the IRS cannot issue it by direct deposit because bank account information is missing, incorrect, or rejected. The notice asks the taxpayer to add or update direct deposit information through their IRS Online Account. According to the Taxpayer Advocate Service, taxpayers generally have 30 days to respond, and if no action is taken, the IRS may issue a paper check after six weeks.

That creates an opportunity for scammers.

Because the IRS is moving away from paper checks and toward electronic payments, scammers may try to take advantage of the confusion by sending fake notices, fake refund messages, or fake requests for banking information. Some may claim a refund is waiting. Others may pressure taxpayers to click a link, scan a QR code, call a phone number, or provide personal and financial information quickly.

That urgency is the warning sign.

The IRS will not ask you to provide banking information by email, text, or phone. The only way to update direct deposit information for a CP53E notice is through your IRS Online Account. If you receive a message, call, or letter telling you to provide banking information another way, treat it as suspicious.

A few red flags should immediately raise concern:

• The message claims you have an “unclaimed refund”

• It asks for banking details, Social Security numbers, photos, or account information

• It pressures you to act immediately

• It includes a suspicious link or QR code

• It demands payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, or prepaid debit cards

• It threatens arrest, legal action, or immediate penalties

• It references an agency you do not recognize

• It asks you to call a number that does not match official IRS contact information

It is also important to remember that real IRS notices are usually sent by mail. That does not mean every letter is legitimate. A mailed notice should still be verified before you respond, especially if it asks for sensitive information or directs you to an unfamiliar website or phone number.

If you receive a questionable IRS notice, do not call the number printed on the document, scan the QR code, or send personal information to the sender. Instead, go directly to IRS.gov, log in to your IRS Online Account, review your notice history, or contact the IRS through official channels.

For additional protection, taxpayers may also consider the IRS Identity Protection PIN program. An IP PIN is a six-digit number known only to the taxpayer and the IRS that helps prevent someone else from filing a federal tax return using that taxpayer’s Social Security number or ITIN.

Tax scams work because they create urgency and confusion. The safest move is usually the simplest one: slow down, verify, then respond.

Outside of checking your IRS Online Account, Abell & Advisors recommends that businesses and high-net-worth individuals have a trusted tax professional available to review notices before taking action. Having someone who can help verify the notice, explain what it means, and advise on next steps is a valuable layer of protection that many taxpayers overlook.

If you are looking for a team of tax professionals to help you navigate the complexities of the tax world, visit our website or contact Abell & Advisors today.