The IRS does not initiate contact by email, text, or social media. An IRS email/text — especially with a link — is phishing. Paste it for an instant read.
Quick answer — No. The IRS doesn't email or text links to pay or claim refunds. Those are phishing — don't click.
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The tell
Real IRS contact comes by mail with a CP/LTR notice number. An email or text with a link to 'verify', 'claim a refund', or 'pay now' is designed to steal your data or money.
What to do
Don't click links or open attachments. Forward suspicious IRS emails to [email protected], then delete. Check anything real in your IRS.gov account.
If you already paid or shared your info
Don't panic — acting quickly limits the damage. Do these now:
Paid by gift card, wire, prepaid card, or crypto? Contact the issuer or service right away — some payments can still be stopped — and keep the receipts.
Gave your SSN or bank details? Start a recovery plan at IdentityTheft.gov and consider a credit freeze with the three bureaus.
Report the impersonation to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov, and (for IRS impersonation) to TIGTA at tigta.gov.
Remember: a real agency would not have demanded gift cards or threatened arrest — so it's safe to stop and verify before doing anything more.
FAQ
Does the IRS send refund or payment links by email?
No. The IRS doesn't email or text links to pay or claim refunds. Those are phishing — don't click.
Official sources
This guidance is compiled from official U.S. government sources. For your specific situation, verify directly:
Is This Real?