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Posted Nov 29, 2017
Each year, the IRS publishes its “Dirty Dozen” list highlighting some of the most common scams and schemes taxpayers should watch out for. While many tax scams become more common during tax season, they can happen year-round.
Here are some of the most common scams to be aware of:
IRS Impersonation Phone Scams
Scammers may call pretending to be IRS agents. They may provide a fake IRS identification number, know some of your personal information, and sound surprisingly convincing.
The caller will typically claim that you owe the IRS money and demand immediate payment, sometimes through unusual methods such as gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. They may threaten you with arrest, deportation, license suspension, or other consequences if you don’t pay immediately.
Remember: The IRS will not call and demand immediate payment using a specific payment method or threaten to have you arrested for refusing to pay.
If you receive a suspicious call, don’t provide any personal or financial information. Hang up and contact the IRS directly using the contact information on IRS.gov.
Phishing & Email Scams
Phishing scams use fake emails, text messages, websites, or social media messages to trick you into providing personal or financial information.
Never click suspicious links or open attachments from senders you don’t recognize. Scammers can create emails and websites that look extremely similar to legitimate IRS communications.
If you need to visit the IRS website, it’s safest to type IRS.gov directly into your browser rather than following a link in an unexpected email or message.
Tax-Related Identity Theft
Tax-related identity theft occurs when someone steals personal information—such as your name and Social Security number—and uses it to commit tax fraud.
One common example is a criminal filing a fraudulent tax return in your name in an attempt to claim a refund before you file your legitimate return.
Protect sensitive information, especially your Social Security number, tax documents, passwords, and financial information.
The IRS also offers eligible taxpayers an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN), a six-digit number that helps prevent someone else from filing a federal tax return using your Social Security number.
Fake Charities
Scammers may solicit donations or personal information while pretending to represent a legitimate charity. They often choose names that sound very similar to well-known charitable organizations.
Before donating, verify the organization. The IRS provides an online Tax Exempt Organization Search that allows taxpayers to check an organization’s tax-exempt status and eligibility to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions.
Tax Return Preparer Fraud
Most tax professionals provide legitimate, high-quality services, but taxpayers should still be careful when choosing someone to prepare their returns.
Some scammers pose as tax professionals to steal personal information or redirect a taxpayer’s refund. Others may promise unusually large refunds by claiming deductions or credits the taxpayer isn’t actually entitled to receive.
Be cautious of preparers who:
- Promise unusually large refunds before reviewing your tax information.
- Encourage you to claim deductions or credits you don’t qualify for.
- Don’t ask for documentation supporting your income, deductions, or credits.
- Refuse to sign the tax return they prepare.
- Refuse to provide their Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN).
Remember, you are ultimately responsible for the information reported on your tax return—even when someone else prepares it. Always review your return before signing or submitting it.
Stay Alert Year-Round
Taxes can be confusing enough without having to worry about scammers trying to take advantage of you. Protect your personal information, be skeptical of unexpected communications claiming to be from the IRS, and never allow someone to pressure you into making an immediate payment.
If you’re unsure whether a communication is legitimate, visit IRS.gov directly or speak with a qualified tax professional.
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