The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has published its annual "Dirty Dozen" list of tax scams for 2025, warning taxpayers about prevalent fraud schemes. These scams peak during tax season but persist year-round, posing significant threats to personal finances and identity security. Fraudsters exploit taxpayer oversight and lack of awareness through various deceptive tactics to steal sensitive information and money.

The "Dirty Dozen" highlights twelve common tax scams that Americans should guard against:

1. Email Phishing Scams

The IRS has identified a surge in fraudulent emails and text messages impersonating tax or financial institutions to harvest personal data. These attacks often use alarming threats or fake refund offers to lure victims. Unsolicited messages should be treated with extreme caution—never click embedded links to avoid potential malware infections.

2. Misleading Social Media Advice

Inaccurate tax information spreading on platforms like TikTok has misled countless taxpayers. The IRS advises verifying all tax guidance through official channels or licensed professionals rather than social media recommendations.

3. Fake "Help" with IRS Online Accounts

Scammers posing as helpers offer to create IRS online accounts for taxpayers, then steal the personal information provided during setup.

4. Fraudulent Charities

Fake organizations emerge during crises or natural disasters to solicit donations and personal data. Only IRS-recognized charities qualify for tax deductions.

5. Bogus Fuel Tax Credits

Ineligible taxpayers are misled into claiming industry-specific fuel tax credits that don't apply to most individuals.

6. Improper Sick/Family Leave Credits

These pandemic-era credits for self-employed individuals expired after 2021, yet some still attempt illegitimate claims.

7. Fake Self-Employment Tax Credits

Social media misinformation promotes nonexistent "self-employment tax credits," prompting fraudulent filings.

8. Household Employment Tax Fraud

Some invent fictitious household employees to claim improper refunds—a practice that carries severe penalties.

9. Inflated Withholding Claims

Scammers encourage falsifying income and withholding data to generate larger refunds, risking serious consequences.

10. Misrepresented Offer in Compromise

Promoters exploit the IRS's partial debt settlement program by misleading ineligible taxpayers about qualifications.

11. Ghost Tax Preparers

Unscrupulous preparers refuse to sign returns they file, exposing clients to risks. Always verify a preparer's credentials.

12. New Client Phishing Scams

Fraudsters impersonate potential clients to trick tax professionals into revealing sensitive data through sophisticated phishing attempts.

The IRS urges vigilance against suspicious requests and recommends reporting questionable activity to authorities. Taxpayers should obtain information exclusively through official IRS resources to protect their rights.

Beyond these twelve scams, the agency also warns about abusive tax shelters, offshore evasion schemes, and other sophisticated frauds. Public awareness and reporting remain critical to combating these evolving threats.