...
By Sam Stevenson
Associate News Editor
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has launched a new online hub designed to make it easier for taxpayers to report suspected tax fraud, scams and other illegal activity.
Why It Matters
Reports of tax scams and fraud have continued to rise in recent years, stretching systems that were built around older, fragmented reporting tools.
Read More on News
The IRS says simplifying how tips are submitted will help it make better use of information it already receives.
...
What To Know
A new IRS webpage now brings multiple fraud and scam reporting options together in one centralized place, allowing taxpayers to confidentially flag suspected wrongdoing ranging from tax fraud and evasion to impersonation scams.
Previously, taxpayers were often directed to different forms or pages depending on the issue they were reporting.
According to the agency, that patchwork approach created barriers and made it harder to process referrals efficiently.
The updated page is intended to reduce that friction by streamlining access to existing reporting channels.
It connects users to reporting options already available through IRS.gov, including ways to report tax fraud or scams, fake IRS communications, identity theft and misconduct by tax return preparers.
"The web page can be found by selecting the new ‘Report Fraud’ button on the IRS.gov homepage or at IRS.gov/SubmitATip," the IRS says.
"Taxpayers are encouraged to report suspected tax-related wrongdoing as soon as possible to help the IRS address fraud and noncompliance."
Each option routes information to the appropriate part of the agency for review.
IRS officials describe the launch as an initial step rather than a final overhaul.
The agency says broader internal changes are also underway to improve how referrals are processed and used, addressing long‑standing challenges in turning tips into enforcement action.
Taxpayers are encouraged to submit information as soon as possible when they believe fraud or a scam has occurred, with the IRS emphasizing that public reporting plays a role in protecting the integrity of the tax system.
If You Think You’ve Been Scammed
Taxpayers who believe they may have been targeted are urged to cut off contact with the suspected scammer, refrain from sending money or personal details, and notify their bank or financial institution.
Anyone affected by identity theft is also advised to follow the recovery guidance available at IdentityTheft.gov.
What People Are Saying
IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano said: "Improvements to the IRS fraud reporting system make reporting suspected wrongdoing easier and simpler and will address historic challenges that had prevented the IRS from making maximum use of the referrals it receives.
"By reporting suspected tax fraud or scams, taxpayers play an important role in uncovering fraud and supporting the integrity of the nation’s tax system."
The IRS says: "These changes will address historic challenges the IRS has faced in using referrals. Creating fewer work streams, simplifying how taxpayers submit referrals, and making processing of claims more efficient will improve how IRS uses referrals in years to come."
What Happens Next
The IRS says the new page is part of a broader push to modernize taxpayer services as filing season continues, with further updates expected as the agency focuses on fraud prevention and enforcement across the tax system.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines