Iowa Attorney General Warns of Tax Day Scams

Brenna Bird urges Iowans to be vigilant against fraud as tax season ends

Apr. 14, 2026 at 9:27pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled IRS tax form, the edges and creases dramatically illuminated by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the gritty, investigative nature of combating tax fraud.As tax season ends, Iowa's top law enforcement official warns residents to be on the lookout for a surge of scams targeting vulnerable taxpayers.Des Moines Today

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird has issued a warning to Iowans about common tax scams that often target people after tax season, including tax preparer fraud, phone/imposter scams, email/phishing scams, and identity theft. Bird provided tips to help Iowans protect themselves, such as researching tax preparers, never sharing personal information over the phone or email, and verifying the source of any unexpected tax-related communications.

Why it matters

Tax scams can result in significant financial losses for victims, and Attorney General Bird wants to ensure Iowans are aware of these common schemes so they can avoid becoming targets. Raising awareness about tax fraud is especially important in the aftermath of tax season when scammers often try to take advantage of people.

The details

According to Attorney General Bird, common tax scams include tax preparer fraud, where dishonest preparers may inflate refunds or charge excessive fees; phone/imposter scams, where scammers pose as IRS agents and threaten arrest; email/phishing scams, where deceptive emails claim to be from the IRS or tax companies; and identity theft, where scammers use stolen personal information to file fraudulent tax returns. To protect against these scams, Bird advises Iowans to research tax preparers, never share personal information over the phone or email, keep devices secure, and verify the source of any unexpected tax-related communications.

  • Tax season is coming to a close in Iowa.

The players

Brenna Bird

The Attorney General of Iowa who issued the warning about tax scams.

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What they’re saying

“You can celebrate the end of tax season, but don't let your guard down against scammers. They love to take advantage of Iowans any time of year, but post tax season it's especially important to be vigilant. Only work with trusted advisors, never send money to anyone online or through a crypto ATM, and if you have questions, please contact my office.”

— Brenna Bird, Iowa Attorney General

What’s next

Iowans who suspect they have been targeted by a tax or IRS scam are encouraged to contact the Iowa Attorney General's office at 888-777-4590, email consumer@iowa.gov, or file a complaint at iowaattorneygeneral.gov.

The takeaway

This warning from the Iowa Attorney General highlights the importance of vigilance and caution when it comes to tax-related scams, especially in the aftermath of tax season when fraudsters often try to take advantage of people. By educating Iowans on common tactics and providing tips to avoid becoming victims, Attorney General Bird aims to empower residents to protect themselves from financial losses and identity theft.