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New IRS portal simplifies reporting of tax fraud and scams for taxpayers; here's what to know

The IRS has introduced a new online system for taxpayers to report tax fraud easily, consolidating multiple channels into a single portal.

Published on: Feb 28, 2026, 09:44:25 IST
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The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has launched a new centralized system that allows taxpayers report tax fraud and other illegal activities more easily online.

The IRS has introduced a new online system for taxpayers to report tax fraud easily, consolidating multiple channels into a single portal. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File Photo (REUTERS)
The IRS has introduced a new online system for taxpayers to report tax fraud easily, consolidating multiple channels into a single portal. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File Photo (REUTERS)

Older reporting systems are under pressure as a result of the rise in tax fraud and scam reports in recent years. According to the IRS, the new hub will enable the agency to better utilize the data it gets.

Read more: IRS tax refund 2026: Why some refunds will get delayed under PATH Act

How does the new IRS tax fraud reporting system work?

Taxpayers used to frequently have to go to several pages or complete separate forms based on the kind of fraud or scam they wished to report. According to the IRS, this structure made reporting challenging and slowed down the processing of tips.

The platform is rebuilt so that it consolidates multiple reporting channels into a single, user-friendly portal where taxpayers can submit detailed information about any suspected fraud, identity theft, unreported income, or other illicit financial activity.

IRS also noted that all submissions will be kept confidential and that there are no penalties for good-faith reporting.

How can you report a possible tax fraud?

Taxpayers can visit the IRS Whistleblower Office page on the official IRS website and fill out an online form that asks for the specifics of the allegation and any supporting documentation in order to report it.

According to IRS guidelines, the submission should be accompanied by:

  1. The individual or entity you are reporting's name, address, and taxpayer identification number (if available)
  2. An explanation of the purported violation.
  3. Documents you could have to back up the allegation
  4. Describe how and when you learned about the alleged infraction.
  5. Detailed explanation of your link, if any, with the claim's subject, both now and in the past
  6. Your contact details

The IRS Whistleblower Office offers monetary rewards for information that leads to the recovery of significant tax revenue. Under current law, eligible whistleblowers can receive between 15 per cent and 30 per cent of collected proceeds in certain cases.

Read more: Did IRS reject your tax return? Here’s how to fix it and avoid refund delays

How to report if you are being targeted for tax fraud?

When a taxpayer suspects they may have been the victim of a scam, they should immediately cut off contact with the suspected scammer and refrain from transferring money or personal information. Additionally, they must promptly notify their bank or other financial institution.

If you believe your identity has been stolen, you should visit IdentityTheft.gov, which is linked by the IRS.

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shirin Gupta

Shirin Gupta is a content producer with the Hindustan Times. She covers everything between politics, entertainment and sports at the US desk. Shirin got interested in political journalism during her time as a web editor at her college newspaper NCC News in Syracuse when she first started seeing the effects of national politics in life of her fellow colleagues. Shirin has worked on a wide range of fast-moving and developing stories locally when she was at NCC editing accessible reports for the audience. Her current role requires her to track real-time updates, verify information and present balanced coverage across diverse beats. Covering US politics from an international newsroom perspective has further deepened her understanding of how domestic decisions can have far-reaching global consequences. With a keen interest in international affairs, Shirin continues to build her expertise in geopolitics, policy shifts, and cross-border developments. She aims to learn and evolve her reporting in matters of geopolitics and international issues. Outside the newsroom Shirin writes about books and music for her personal blog. She is an avid consumer of pop culture and reveres literature.

Stay updated with US News covering politics, crime, weather, local events, and sports highlights. Get the latest on Donald Trump and American politics along with Horoscope 2026.
Stay updated with US News covering politics, crime, weather, local events, and sports highlights. Get the latest on Donald Trump and American politics along with Horoscope 2026.
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