Tax season is not just one of the busiest times of year for employers. It is also one of the most active periods for cyber scams targeting businesses. The IRS warns that many tax scams peak during filing season, when criminals use urgency and impersonation tactics to steal personal, financial, and employment information.
For employers, that risk is especially high because teams are handling sensitive information like W-2s, Social Security numbers, payroll data, and banking details. The IRS has also issued specific warnings to businesses and payroll service providers about W-2 and SSN data theft schemes.
For many businesses, the greatest vulnerability is not a major system failure. It is a simple human moment. Someone is moving quickly, a message looks legitimate, and confidential information is shared before the request is properly verified.
That is why tax season is the right time to reinforce smart habits across your team.
Why Tax season Increases Cyber Risk
During tax season, employees are often under pressure to respond quickly. That makes it easier for scammers to take advantage of urgency, impersonation, and confusion.
Common tax season threats include:
- phishing emails pretending to be from the IRS, an accountant, or internal leadership
- fake W-2 or payroll requests sent to HR or finance
- fraudulent direct deposit or banking change requests
- malicious links or attachments disguised as tax-related documents
- compromised or spoofed email accounts sending realistic-looking instructions
The FBI continues to warn businesses about Business Email Compromise, a scheme where criminals impersonate trusted contacts to trick employees into sending money or sensitive information. The agency describes it as one of the most financially damaging online crimes.
The FBI’s latest Internet Crime Report also found that phishing and spoofing were among the top cyber crimes reported by victims in 2024.
Tax Season Cybersecurity Checklist for Employers
Here are a few reminders you can share with your employees:
1. Be cautious of urgency
Scammers want employees to react before they think. The IRS says common tax scam warning signs include pressure, threats, and urgent requests for personal, financial, or employment information.
Tip: If something feels rushed, pause and verify before taking action.
2. Always confirm requests involving sensitive information
W-2s, payroll reports, and banking information should never be shared based on email alone. The IRS has specifically warned employers about W-2 phishing scams that target businesses and payroll providers.
Tip: Require a second form of verification, such as a phone call, secure message, or manager approval, before releasing confidential information.
3. Do not rely on email alone
Even legitimate-looking emails can be spoofed or sent from compromised accounts. The FBI’s guidance on Business Email Compromise highlights how attackers exploit trust and familiarity to get employees to act.
Tip: If a request is unusual, verify it through a trusted method outside the original email.
4. Use secure file sharing
Sensitive tax and payroll documents should be handled through secure systems, not casual email attachments when safer tools are available. CISA recommends preventative cybersecurity measures and stronger protections for sensitive data, including encryption and secure access controls.
Tip: Use secure portals, encrypted platforms, or approved document-sharing tools for tax-related files.
5. Report suspicious activity immediately
Quick reporting can limit damage and help stop a scam before it spreads. The IRS provides specific reporting instructions for W-2 phishing scams and reminds businesses not to forward sensitive employee data when reporting incidents.
Tip: Make sure employees know exactly who to contact internally if something seems suspicious.
Stronger Habits Matter Beyond Tax Season
The goal is not just to reduce risk during filing season. It is to create a workplace where security awareness is part of everyday operations.
When employees know how to verify requests, use secure tools, and flag suspicious activity, businesses are better protected year-round.
Bent Ear Technology Partners helps businesses strengthen cybersecurity practices, improve system security, and support employees with smarter technology processes during high-risk periods like tax season and beyond.