IRS Publication 5412 Chinese-Simplified – If you or your family speak Chinese and want to stay safe from tax scams tied to the COVID-19 pandemic, IRS Publication 5412 Chinese Simplified (also known as Pub 5412 zh-s or p5412zhs.pdf) is the official resource you need. Published by the Internal Revenue Service in March 2021 and posted in May 2021, this concise one-page flyer delivers clear, direct warnings in Simplified Chinese about phishing attempts, fake calls, and fraudulent schemes promising faster stimulus payments or refunds.
Direct download link (official IRS source):
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5412zhs.pdf
This multilingual effort from the IRS helps non-English speakers protect their personal and financial information during a time when scammers aggressively targeted Economic Impact Payments (stimulus checks) and tax refunds.
What Is IRS Publication 5412 (Chinese-Simplified Version)?
Publication 5412 (zh-s) (Rev. 3-2021) is a short, easy-to-read warning flyer created specifically for Chinese-speaking taxpayers. Its catalog number is 77367U, and it comes from the Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service.
The publication focuses on one critical message: Beware of coronavirus-related scams. It alerts readers to common tactics used by fraudsters during the COVID-19 pandemic and reminds them that legitimate IRS communications follow strict rules.
Key Warnings from IRS Pub 5412 Chinese Simplified
Here is the core content translated into English for clarity (the original PDF is entirely in Simplified Chinese):
- Taxpayers should watch out for phone calls and email phishing attempts about the coronavirus or COVID-19. These contacts can lead to tax-related fraud and identity theft.
- Beware of scammers!
- Visit IRS.gov/coronavirus for the most up-to-date and official information.
- The IRS will never call you to ask for or verify your financial information so you can receive an Economic Impact Payment (stimulus check) or your tax refund faster.
- Be vigilant against attempts through email, text messages (SMS), websites, and social media that ask for money or personal information.
The flyer is intentionally brief — designed to be printed, shared, or posted in community centers, temples, schools, and businesses serving Chinese-speaking populations.
Why the IRS Created This Chinese-Simplified Warning?
During the height of the pandemic, scammers flooded phones, inboxes, and social media with fake offers of stimulus money, accelerated refunds, or COVID relief. Many targeted immigrant communities and non-native English speakers who might be less familiar with IRS procedures.
The IRS responded with Publication 5412 in multiple languages, including:
- Chinese Simplified (zh-s)
- Chinese Traditional (zh-t)
- Spanish
- Vietnamese
- Korean
- Russian
- Haitian Creole
This version ensures millions of Chinese-speaking taxpayers in the U.S. receive the same critical protection as English speakers.
How to Protect Yourself from Coronavirus and Tax Scams (Current IRS Advice)?
While Publication 5412 was issued in 2021, the core warnings remain highly relevant. The IRS continues to fight COVID-related fraud through its ongoing investigations and annual “Dirty Dozen” scam lists.
Red flags to watch for (from current IRS guidance at IRS.gov):
- Unsolicited calls, texts, or emails claiming to be from the IRS about stimulus payments, refunds, or credits.
- Pressure to pay immediately with gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
- Requests for personal information (SSN, bank details) to “speed up” a payment.
- Fake websites or links that look like IRS.gov but have spelling errors or unusual domains.
- Promises of large, easy refunds or credits you didn’t apply for.
What the real IRS will never do:
- Call demanding immediate payment or personal information without first mailing you a notice.
- Ask for payment via gift cards, wire, or crypto.
- Threaten arrest or deportation over the phone.
What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Contact?
- Do not respond — hang up, delete the message, or close the email.
- Report it immediately to the IRS at: [email protected]
- Forward suspicious emails to the same address.
- Report identity theft at IRS.gov/identity-theft-central
- For general scam reporting: Use the FTC’s website or call 1-877-FTC-HELP.
Chinese-speaking taxpayers can also visit the IRS Chinese language resources page or call the IRS helpline with interpreter support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: Is IRS Publication 5412 still current in 2026?
A: Yes — the specific warnings about COVID-era stimulus scams are still accurate. The IRS continues to investigate billions of dollars in related fraud. - Q: Can I print and distribute this PDF?
A: Absolutely. It is a public government document meant to be shared. - Q: Where can I find other IRS resources in Chinese Simplified?
A: Visit IRS.gov and use the language selector, or search for publications with “(zh-s)” in the title. - Q: Did I miss my stimulus payment because of a scam?
A: Check your official IRS account at IRS.gov/account. The IRS never requires you to pay or provide information to receive payments you are owed.
Stay Protected – Download IRS Publication 5412 Chinese Simplified Today
Don’t let scammers take advantage of confusing pandemic relief programs. Arm yourself and your community with the official IRS warning in Simplified Chinese.
Download now: IRS Publication 5412 (zh-s) PDF
Bookmark IRS.gov/coronavirus and IRS.gov/tax-scams for the latest updates. Share this article with friends and family who read Chinese to help spread awareness and stop fraud.
All information is based on official IRS publications and guidance available on IRS.gov as of 2026. Always verify directly on the official website for the most current details.