The tax season is upon us, and with it comes a plethora of scams designed to take advantage of unsuspecting taxpayers. According to the IRS, there are 12 “dirty dozen” tax scams that taxpayers should be aware of in 2025.
- Phishing scams via email or text
- Don’t listen to everything you see on social media
- Don’t accept a scammer’s help with your IRS Individual Online Account
- Try not to fall for any fake charities
- Know the truth about Fuel Tax Credit claims
- Sick Leave and Family Leave credits
- Don’t fall for claims about self-employment tax credits
- No bogus household employment taxes
- Overstated withholding scam
- Check your eligibility for the Offer in Compromise
- Look out for sketchy tax return preparers
- Tax pros: Look out for ‘new client’ scams
- Unsolicited calls from tax professionals
- Unrealistic refund promises
Phishing Scams via Email or Text
Phishing scams are a common occurrence, and during tax season, they can take many forms. Scammers may send emails or texts that appear to be from the IRS or a reputable tax filing company, claiming that you have a problem with your tax return or that you owe money. These messages often include suspicious links or attachments that can compromise your computer or steal your personal information. If you receive a message like this, do not click on any links or download any attachments. Instead, report the message to the IRS or the company that supposedly sent it.
Don’t Listen to Everything You See on Social Media
Social media is a breeding ground for misinformation, and during tax season, it’s especially important to be cautious. Many people share false information on social media, claiming that they have found a way to avoid paying taxes or that they have discovered a secret to getting a bigger refund. However, these claims are often false and can lead to trouble down the line. Before making any decisions about your taxes, make sure to verify the information through reputable sources, such as the IRS website or a trusted tax professional.
Don’t Accept a Scammer’s Help with Your IRS Individual Online Account
The IRS Individual Online Account is a convenient way to access your tax information and make payments online. However, scammers may pose as tax professionals and offer to help you set up your account or provide guidance on how to file your taxes. These scammers may gain access to your personal financial information, putting you at risk. To avoid this, make sure to only use the official IRS website to access your account, and never give out your login credentials to anyone.
Try Not to Fall for Any Fake Charities
Scammers often create fake charities to take advantage of generous people who want to donate to good causes. However, these charities are often set up to steal your personal information or money. To avoid falling for these scams, make sure to research any charity before donating, and only give to organizations that are recognized by the IRS.
Know the Truth About Fuel Tax Credit Claims
The Fuel Tax Credit is a legitimate tax credit, but many people overstate their eligibility or claim credits that they are not entitled to. According to the IRS, many people have filed for the Fuel Tax Credit, guided by dishonest preparers and people who share misinformation on social media. To avoid falling for these scams, make sure to understand the eligibility criteria for the Fuel Tax Credit and only claim credits that you are entitled to.
Sick Leave and Family Leave Credits
The Sick Leave and Family Leave credits are specialized credits that are available to self-employed individuals who experienced pandemic-related disruptions in 2020 and 2021. However, many people have incorrectly claimed these credits, despite not being self-employed. To avoid falling for these scams, make sure to review the eligibility criteria for these credits and only claim them if you are eligible.
Don’t Fall for Claims About Self-Employment Tax Credits
Many people have fallen for claims that there is a Self-Employment Tax Credit, which is not the case. The Self-Employment Tax is a separate tax that is required for self-employed individuals, but there is no credit available for it. To avoid falling for these scams, make sure to understand the Self-Employment Tax and only claim it if you are eligible.
No Bogus Household Employment Taxes
In the past, some taxpayers have created false employees working in their homes, filed Household Employment taxes, and then claimed a refund from fake sick and family medical leave wages. To avoid falling for these scams, make sure to only file taxes for legitimate employees and not for fictional workers.
Overstated Withholding Scam
The Overstated Withholding scam involves scammers encouraging people to overstate their income and withholding amounts in the hopes of getting a bigger refund. To avoid falling for this scam, make sure to review your withholding amounts and only claim a refund if you are entitled to one.
Check Your Eligibility for the Offer in Compromise
The Offer in Compromise program is designed to help taxpayers who are unable to pay their taxes in full. However, some people are misled into thinking that they are eligible for the program when they are not. To avoid falling for these scams, make sure to review the eligibility criteria for the Offer in Compromise and only apply if you are eligible.
Look Out for Sketchy Tax Return Preparers
Tax preparers are helpful, but some scammers may pose as tax professionals and charge more based on the amount of your refund or not sign your tax return. To avoid falling for these scams, make sure to research tax preparers before hiring them and only use reputable firms.
Tax Pros: Look Out for ‘New Client’ Scams
Some scammers will pose as new clients looking to work with a tax preparer, then send malicious links and attachments that compromise their system. To avoid falling for these scams, make sure to only work with reputable tax preparers and never give out your login credentials to anyone.
Unsolicited Calls from Tax Professionals
Tax professionals may call you to discuss your taxes, but some scammers may pose as tax professionals and call you with unsolicited offers. To avoid falling for these scams, make sure to only work with reputable tax professionals and never give out your personal information to anyone.
Unrealistic Refund Promises
Some scammers may promise you an unrealistic refund amount, which is often a red flag. To avoid falling for these scams, make sure to review your tax return carefully and only claim a refund if you are entitled to one.
Protecting Yourself from Tax Scams
To protect yourself from tax scams, make sure to:
* Verify information through reputable sources
* Never give out your login credentials to anyone
* Research tax preparers before hiring them
* Review tax return eligibility carefully
* Be cautious of unsolicited calls and messages
* Never fall for unrealistic refund promises
By being aware of these tax scams and taking steps to protect yourself, you can avoid falling victim to these scams and keep your personal and financial information safe.