IRS October reminder outlines ways to protect tax data and report scams
The IRS’s October cybersecurity reminder identifies account-protection steps and official scam-reporting resources.
What the record says
The IRS’s October 2, 2026 notice recommends unique passwords, multifactor authentication, software updates and secure storage of tax information.
The IRS directs taxpayers to its Identity Protection PIN program; enrollment requires identity verification, and a new PIN is generated each calendar year.
The IRS says it never sends direct messages through social media. Its tax-scams page provides official reporting resources.
Source details and supporting locations.
Practical next step
Reach IRS tools through IRS.gov and verify unexpected requests through a trusted channel. Use the official scam-reporting page for suspicious tax-related contacts.
Limits and what is not established
These are general precautions, not confirmation that a particular message is genuine or that an account is safe. The notice does not announce a new tax-filing deadline.
Sources checked October 10, 2026. Later notices may change instructions or arrangements.
Original sources
Internal Revenue Service: original information
Internal Revenue Service: original information
Internal Revenue Service: original information