The Internal Revenue Service it warning tax payers to watch out for 12 tax scams that could cause them a huge amount of problems.
Its Dirty Dozen list flags emerging scams that taxpayers need to avoid. Here are the main scams to look out for:
1.IRS impersonation by email and text – phishing + smishing. Scammers send emails, direct messages, and texts that appear to be from the IRS, often using alarming language and QR codes that direct taxpayers to fake IRS websites to “verify” accounts, enter personal information, or claim refunds. Don’t click links or open attachments from unexpected messages. There were more than 600 social media impersonators during fiscal year 2025.
2. AI-enabled IRS impersonation by phone – robocalls, voice mimicry, spoofed caller ID. Phone scams continue to be more sophisticated, including calls that use computer-generated tactics and spoofed caller ID to appear legitimate. The IRS generally contacts taxpayers by mail first and doesn’t: leave urgent, threatening prerecorded messages; call to demand immediate payment; or threaten arrest.
3. Fake charities. Fraudsters often exploit tragedies and disasters by creating fake charities to collect donations and personal information. Taxpayers who give money or goods to a charity may be able to claim a deduction on their federal tax return if they itemize deductions, but charitable donations only count if they go to a qualified tax-exempt organization recognized by the IRS.
4. Misleading tax advice on social media. Viral “tax hacks” can encourage taxpayers to file returns with false information or claim credits they don’t qualify for. Don’t rely on social media-driven misinformation because it’s a major driver of tax scams.
5. Identity theft involving IRS Online Account access. Criminals may attempt to use stolen personal information to gain unauthorized access to a taxpayer’s IRS online account or may pose as helpers to collect sensitive information during account setup. Taxpayers should create their account directly through IRS.gov and not rely on third parties offering assistance.
6. Ghost preparers. If a “ghost” preparer prepares a return but refuses to sign it and/or refuses to include a preparer tax identification number or PTIN, it’s a major red flag. The taxpayer is legally responsible for what’s filed. Avoid preparers who won’t sign a return. In addition, never sign a blank or incomplete return.
7. Overstated withholding schemes – fabricated wage/withholding data. Scammers encourage taxpayers to inflate withholding amounts to manufacture a larger refund by reporting zero or little income on incorrect forms.
8. Spear-phishing and malware campaigns targeting tax professionals. Tax professionals and businesses remain targets of “new client” or “document request” emails that deliver malicious links or attachments to steal client data or access systems.
9. Aggressive or misleading Offer in Compromise marketing or OIC mills. The Offer in Compromise program can help certain eligible taxpayers resolve tax debt when they’re unable to pay in full, but “OIC mills” often overpromise results and charge high fees to taxpayers who don’t qualify. Taxpayers can check eligibility using free IRS tools to avoid high-pressure sales tactics.
What to do if you get a suspicious message or call
- Don’t click unexpected links or open unexpected attachments.
- Hang up if you get a suspicious IRS-related call. Report it on the IRS’s Fraud page.
- Report suspected IRS-related phishing emails or messages to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov.
- Visit IRS.gov/idtheft if you think your tax identity has been compromised.
