If filing taxes wasn't difficult enough already, an added stress this year is the uptick in scams. From text message scams to phishing emails, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued a warning this month that criminals are now working overtime to trick people out of their hard-earned money.

"With filing season underway, this is a prime period for identity thieves to hit people with realistic-looking emails and texts about their tax returns and refunds," cautioned IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "Watching out for these common scams can keep people from becoming victims of identity theft and protect their sensitive personal information that can be used to file tax returns and steal refunds."

The IRS, state tax agencies, and the nation's tax industry—working together in the Security Summit initiative—have taken numerous steps since 2015 to protect taxpayers and businesses from identity thieves. Summit partners continue to warn people to watch out for common scams and schemes this tax season, the IRS announced this month.

The Most Common Forms of Tax Scams

It really should go without saying, but the IRS will never contact individuals via a text message. Yet these scams continue to be sent to taxpayers' smartphones. These may reference COVID-19 or "stimulus payments," and often contain bogus links claiming to be IRS websites or other online tools.

Other than IRS Secure Access, the IRS does not even use text messages to discuss personal tax issues, such as those involving bills or refunds. The IRS also is reminding tax filers that the agency will not send taxpayers messages via social media platforms.

Just as the IRS doesn't text, it doesn't send emails to request personal or financial information. Any email that is purported to have come from the IRS is almost certainly a scam.

Another common scam that has made the rounds is a recorded message from the IRS warning that a warrant may be issued for arrest if the recipient doesn't pay a fine immediately. Verbal threats can also include deportation or revocation of licenses. However, the IRS doesn't have the power to revoke an individual's driver's license, business license, or immigration status. Threats like these are common tactics scam artists use to create urgency and trick victims to buy into their schemes.

The IRS will initiate most contacts through the regular mail delivered by the United States Postal Service, although there are special circumstances when the IRS will call or come to a home or business. These visits include times when a taxpayer has an overdue tax bill, a delinquent tax return or a delinquent employment tax payment. The IRS may also visit if it needs to tour a business as part of a civil investigation (such as an audit or collection case) or during a criminal investigation.

According to the IRS, if a representative has the need to visit you, the agent will always provide two forms of official credentials called a pocket commission and a HSPD-12 card. The HSPD-12 is a government-wide standard for secure and reliable forms of identification for federal employees and contractors. You have the right to see these credentials. And if you would like to verify information on the representative’s HSPD-12 card, the representative will provide you with a dedicated IRS telephone number for verifying the information and confirming their identity.

Don't Be a Victim

Whether contacted via a phone call, email, or text—or even from a letter—the IRS will never ask for immediate payment via a prepaid debit card, gift card, or wire transfer. Generally, the IRS will mail a bill to any taxpayer who owes taxes. If you do get contacted, don't respond, never give any personal information, and report these contacts to [email protected].

Taxes are hard enough, so don't add to the stress by falling victim to the scammers.

Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer who has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers and websites. He regularly writes about military small arms, and is the author of several books on military headgear including A Gallery of Military Headdress, which is available on Amazon.com.

Image: Reuters.