05/06/2026
A reminder that this is *not* the way that this works. The IRS will not typically ask you to click through an email to confirm previously scheduled transactions. You may, however, receive an email with your Direct Pay confirmation number.
There are a few more hints that this is a scam. The scammer got the name of the tool wrong (it's "Payment Lookup" not "Look up a Payment") and the direction to look for help is also off (the links can be found at "Direct Pay help" or "Have questions or need additional information?" not a "Need help" link).
And always check the "from" email address (this one came from Japan—I'm seeing a lot of that lately) and double-check the details.
If you have questions about a transaction, go to the IRS.gov page directly. You can look up a payment, and you have until two business days before the payment date to cancel or make any changes. You can also verify your payment through your online tax account.
If you think you received a fraudulent email from someone claiming to be or to represent the IRS, you can report it. Here's how: https://www.irs.gov/help/report-fraud/report-fake-irs-treasury-or-tax-related-emails-and-messages
