IRS 2025 “Dirty Dozen” Tax Scams

Each year, the IRS releases its “Dirty Dozen” list—highlighting the most common and dangerous tax scams targeting taxpayers. These schemes can lead to identity theft, fraud, and serious financial consequences.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the 2025 Dirty Dozen to help you stay informed and protected:

🔐 1. Phishing

Fake emails or texts pretending to be from the IRS. The IRS never contacts taxpayers this way—don’t click or reply.

🎗 2. Fake Charities

Scammers pose as disaster relief or crisis-response charities. Always verify organizations using the IRS’s Tax-Exempt Organization Search.

🧾 3. Ghost Tax Preparers

These shady preparers refuse to sign your return or falsify info to increase refunds. Only work with credentialed, signed preparers.

⚠️ 4. Offer in Compromise Mills

Companies promise to settle your tax debt for "pennies on the dollar," often charging high fees for services you may not qualify for—or can do yourself.

📱 5. Social Media Tax Advice Scams

Don’t fall for viral tax “hacks” or refund claims shared on social media. Many are completely false and designed to steal your information.

🌐 6. Fake IRS Websites

Scammers create lookalike IRS websites to steal data. Always use the official IRS.gov domain.

📞 7. IRS Impersonators

Aggressive phone calls or fake letters demanding payment. The IRS does not threaten arrest or demand payment over the phone.

💰 8. Unsolicited Refund Offers

Watch for random offers promising huge refunds or deposits. These are often phishing attempts or setups for identity theft.

💼 9. Fake Job or Work-from-Home Scams

Scammers lure victims with high-paying fake jobs, then request personal info. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

👵 10. Scams Targeting Seniors

Seniors are frequently targeted with fake back-tax claims or “free help.” Share this info with older family members.

🧾 11. Fraudulent Unemployment Claims

Thieves use stolen personal info to file unemployment claims in your name. Always report any suspicious mail or notices immediately.

🧮 12. Tax Refund Fraud

Some shady preparers promise inflated refunds using false deductions or credits. If the numbers sound too good to be true—they probably are.

👉 Stay Vigilant

The IRS will never:

• Call to demand immediate payment

• Ask for personal info via text, email, or social media

• Accept payment via gift cards, Venmo, or cryptocurrency

Learn more: Visit the IRS Dirty Dozen page for full details and tips to protect yourself.