IRS opens consolidated fraud page

The IRS has opened a single online page that pulls together several reporting routes for suspected tax fraud, scams, identity theft and tax preparer misconduct. The page, labeled “Report fraud,” appears under the Help section of IRS.gov and says people who were scammed, suspect tax fraud or had information stolen can report it there. The agency said in a February 26 announcement that the tool is meant to centralize fraud reporting and route tips to the right IRS office. ### Where does the new page actually send people? The IRS page breaks reports into four tracks: tax fraud or scams, fake IRS or Treasury messages, identity theft, and complaints about paid tax return preparers. Each track links to a different set of instructions rather than asking every user to file the same form. The page was last reviewed or updated on January 15, 2026, according to IRS.gov. IRS.gov/SubmitATip is the agency’s main online tool for reporting suspected tax fraud, evasion, scams, schemes or other tax-law violations. (irs.gov) The IRS said that tool can be used on a smartphone, tablet or computer and allows confidential reporting. The agency also said the page is available from a “Report Fraud” button on the IRS.gov homepage. ### What changed from the older setup? The IRS said on February 26 that the new tool “consolidates IRS fraud-reporting options into a centralized location” and uses prompts to steer information to the appropriate office. (irs.gov) In the same announcement, the agency described the change as an initial step and said it plans longer-term changes that include reducing forms, automating processes and using modern case-management software. (irs.gov) Wamhoff Accounting, in a June 3 post summarizing current IRS-related scams, said the page gives taxpayers one place to start when they need to report suspected tax fraud, scams or tax-related misconduct. The post also said identity-theft victims should still use the IRS’s established identity-theft channels to get account problems corrected. (irs.gov) ### What should identity-theft victims do instead of just filing a tip? The IRS identity-theft section says people whose Social Security number, individual taxpayer identification number or employer identification number was stolen should report it immediately and use identity-theft help resources. The agency’s identity-theft hub includes guides for individuals, businesses and tax professionals, along with letter and notice lookups. (wamhoffaccounting.com) Form 14039, the Identity Theft Affidavit, remains part of that process in some cases. The IRS says taxpayers who believe someone filed a return using their Social Security number can follow the identity-theft reporting instructions, and the agency’s FAQ and guidance also point taxpayers to specialized assistance for tax-account issues resulting from identity theft. ### What if the contact was a fake text, call or email? (irs.gov) The IRS has a separate reporting page for fake IRS, Treasury or other tax-related messages. That page covers suspicious emails, texts, social media accounts, phone calls, letters, websites, mail and fax messages, and tells users that reporting steps depend on the type of contact they received. The IRS scam guidance also says victims who lost money or had their identity stolen should report the scam and then follow recovery steps, including identity-theft assistance where needed. (irs.gov) The agency says the Taxpayer Advocate Service may also help some victims resolve account problems. ### What comes next for taxpayers and advisers? The IRS said the “Report fraud” page is an initial improvement, not the final version of its reporting system. (irs.gov) The agency said future changes will focus on fewer forms, more automation and updated case-management tools. For now, taxpayers can find the consolidated page at IRS.gov/help/report-fraud and the main tip-submission tool at IRS.gov/SubmitATip. (irs.gov 1) (irs.gov 2)