Don’t Let Holiday Gift-Card Scams Target You or Your Clients This Season
- MyTAXPrepOffice Editorial Group
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
The holiday season is a busy time for tax professionals — year-end planning, client follow-ups, and preparing for the upcoming filing season. But it’s also prime time for scammers. The IRS recently issued a warning about a surge in gift-card scams, and it’s something every tax professional should be prepared to address with clients.
🎁 Understanding the Scam
Scammers often impersonate IRS agents or other government officials and demand immediate payment using gift cards. They typically:
Call, text, or email claiming you or your client owe back taxes or penalties
Insist payment must be made right away with specific types of gift cards
Tell victims to buy cards, read numbers/PINs over the phone, and keep the call private
Use intimidation tactics — threats of arrest, revoked licenses, frozen accounts, etc.
The IRS emphasizes it will never:
Ask for gift cards as payment
Demand immediate payment over the phone
Threaten arrest or legal action without mailed notices
Pressure taxpayers to act instantly
This simple awareness can prevent major financial loss.
💼 Why Tax Professionals Should Pay Attention
As a MyTAXPrepOffice user, you already prioritize a secure and efficient tax preparation workflow. But part of serving your clients means helping them stay safe financially — both inside and outside the tax return.
These scams matter because:
1. Your clients trust your guidance.
Many taxpayers assume tax professionals know what “sounds right,” so if they receive a suspicious call, they often reach out to you first — or worse, after they’ve already paid.
2. Fraud incidents affect tax season.
Victims may face account holds, identity theft issues, or compromised personal data — which means more time spent resolving IRS or FTC filings before returns can be completed.
3. Scams create cash-flow strains for clients.
If a client loses thousands to a scam, it affects their ability to pay estimated taxes, fulfill obligations, or stay financially on track.
4. Your reputation is strengthened by proactive education.
Sharing scam alerts builds trust and positions you as a knowledgeable, year-round adviser — not just a seasonal tax preparer.
🛡️ How to Protect Your Clients (and Yourself)
✔ Spread the word early
Include scam alerts in:
Client emails
Social-media posts
Organizer packets
Year-end reminders
Your clients will appreciate the heads-up.
✔ Encourage clients to slow down
Remind them: any demand for gift-card payment is automatically a scam.
✔ Reinforce official IRS communication rules
The IRS will never threaten or demand payment through text, social media, or phone for taxes without mailed notices first.
✔ Know where to report fraud
The IRS recommends reporting scam attempts to:
TIGTA (Treasury Inspector General): 800-366-4484
FTC’s ReportFraud portal
✔ Review identity protection options
Point eligible clients toward the IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) program for an extra layer of defense.
🔒 A Note for MyTAXPrepOffice Users
Security is at the core of MyTAXPrepOffice — from encrypted data storage to two-factor authentication and secure client portals. But the best security ecosystem includes client awareness, too.
When your clients understand scam risks, they are:
Less vulnerable to fraud
Less likely to compromise sensitive information
More confident in your expertise
Better prepared for the upcoming tax season
This helps protect your workflow, minimizes disruptions, and supports a smoother filing season for everyone involved.
🎄 Final Thoughts
Gift-card scams spike during the holidays, but with proactive communication, you can help your clients avoid becoming victims. As a trusted tax professional (and MyTAXPrepOffice user), your voice carries weight.
Take a few minutes this season to:
Educate your clients
Share the IRS warning
Reinforce safe communication practices
A simple reminder today could save someone from a costly scam tomorrow.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal tax advice. Advanced Tax Solutions is not liable or responsible for any damages resulting from or related to your use of this information. It is your responsibility to refer to official IRS documentation for information regarding any tax laws or tax information shown here.
