IRS Warns Taxpayers About the “Dirty Dozen” Scams During Filing Season

As tax filing season continues, the Internal Revenue Service is reminding taxpayers to stay alert for fraudulent schemes known as the “Dirty Dozen.” Each year, the IRS highlights the most common tax scams used by criminals to steal personal information, money, or tax refunds from unsuspecting individuals.

The list serves as a warning for taxpayers, businesses, and tax professionals to recognize red flags and avoid becoming victims of fraud. Many of these scams increase during tax season, when criminals know people are more likely to be dealing with financial records and filing returns.

One of the most common scams involves phishing and smishing, where criminals send emails or text messages posing as the IRS or other trusted organizations. These messages often claim there is an issue with a tax return or refund and include links to fake websites designed to capture Social Security numbers, bank information, and passwords.

Another major concern is fake charities, which often appear following natural disasters or major events. Scammers may ask for donations while pretending to represent legitimate organizations. Taxpayers who donate without verifying the charity may lose money and receive no legitimate tax deduction.

The IRS also warns about false fuel tax credit claims, where promoters encourage taxpayers to claim credits they are not eligible for in order to receive larger refunds. Filing inaccurate information can result in penalties and audits.

A growing threat involves ghost tax preparers, individuals who prepare tax returns for a fee but refuse to sign the return as the preparer. These individuals may inflate refunds or falsify information and then disappear, leaving taxpayers responsible for any errors or fraudulent claims.

Other scams highlighted on the Dirty Dozen list include:

• Social media tax advice schemes, where misleading posts encourage people to misuse tax forms or claim credits improperly.
• Identity theft and refund fraud, where criminals file a tax return using someone else’s Social Security number to claim their refund.
• Spear phishing attacks targeting tax professionals and businesses, designed to steal client data.
• Offer in Compromise “mills”, which charge excessive fees for services that taxpayers may not qualify for.
• Employee Retention Credit scams, where promoters push businesses to file improper claims for the pandemic-era tax credit.

Officials emphasize that the IRS will never initiate contact through email, text messages, or social media asking for personal or financial information. Taxpayers who receive suspicious communications should avoid clicking links, responding to the message, or sharing sensitive information.

Experts recommend working with reputable tax professionals, filing returns through secure platforms, and verifying any tax-related communication before responding.

The IRS encourages taxpayers to take a moment to double-check before sharing personal information or filing claims that seem questionable. By staying informed about the Dirty Dozen scams, individuals can protect themselves and ensure their tax season stays focused on filing accurately—not recovering from fraud.