Tax season is already painful enough for real estate professionals. Between tracking mileage, sorting deductions, and trying to remember whether that marketing expense counts as business or personal, it can feel like a second job.

Now scammers are piling on.

Security researchers are warning about a surge in robocalls pushing fake “tax relief programs.” These automated calls claim you may qualify for special tax forgiveness or settlement programs and urge you to call back immediately.

The catch? They’re scams designed to pressure you into sharing personal information or paying fees.

Why Real Estate Agents Should Pay Attention

Real estate professionals are an easy target because:

• Income can vary year to year
• Many agents are self-employed
• Tax bills can be unpredictable

So when a robocall claims you may qualify for “tax relief,” it can sound believable during an already stressful time.

A Quick Reality Check

Let’s be honest. Doing taxes as a self-employed professional just plain sucks. The paperwork, the calculations, the surprise tax bills. It’s frustrating for everyone.

Scammers know this and try to take advantage of that stress.

If you get a robocall about tax relief, don’t engage. The IRS does not reach out this way.

What To Do Instead

• Hang up immediately
• Don’t press buttons to “opt out”
• Don’t call the number back
• Talk to your CPA if you have real concerns

Tax season is stressful enough. Don’t let scammers make it worse.