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IRS Dirty Dozen Scams for 2025: What to Watch Out For (and How to Protect Yourself)
Let’s get one thing straight:
Scammers are not slowing down.
They’re getting slicker, faster, and disturbingly good at sounding like someone you trust—especially now that AI can mimic voices, emails, and even your tax pro’s writing style.
The IRS sees it too. That’s why, every year, they publish a list of the biggest, most dangerous scams targeting everyday taxpayers.
They call it the Dirty Dozen.
We call it your yearly heads-up.
Here’s what to watch for in 2025—and how to make sure you and the people you care about don’t fall for it.
Why This Matters (Even If You “Never Click Suspicious Links”)
You might think, This could never happen to me.
But the data says otherwise.
Scams are evolving fast. And many are now designed to bypass your instincts.
They don’t just trick you—they play you. AI makes the lie more convincing. Tech makes it harder to trace. And the IRS will not call, email, or text you first.
So yes—this article is for you.
And your parents. And your kids. And that friend who still uses “123456” as their password.
2025’s Top Tax Scams (a.k.a. The Dirty Dozen)
1. AI-Generated Phishing Emails and Texts
This year’s scariest trend?
Scammers are using AI to generate ultra-realistic emails and texts that look exactly like the IRS, your tax software, or even your accountant.
They include official-looking logos. Personal details. Clickable “portals.”
And just enough urgency to get you to act without thinking.
What to do:
Never click links in unsolicited IRS messages. The IRS does not initiate contact by email or text. Always go directly to IRS.gov or contact your tax pro.
2. Fake “Help with Refunds or Filing” Ads on Social Media
You’re scrolling Instagram. You see a sponsored ad that says:
“We can get you a $10K refund—even if you don’t file taxes!”
Too good to be true? Yep.
These pop-up “services” file fake returns using your info. You might even get money—but later, the IRS claws it back (plus penalties).
What to do:
Only work with licensed, verified tax professionals. And if your refund sounds suspiciously huge, ask questions.
3. Offer in Compromise Mills
An Offer in Compromise is a legitimate IRS program that helps taxpayers who owe significant amounts but can’t pay in full settle their debt for less.
But shady companies are exploiting it—promising guaranteed forgiveness, charging upfront fees, and then ghosting you.
What to do:
If you owe the IRS, talk to a tax pro who understands your full picture—not a call center that bought your info off a debt list.
4. Fake Charities
Disaster strikes. The headlines hit. Then come the “charities” asking for donations via email, text, or even GoFundMe.
Some are real. Some are expertly faked.
What to do:
Before giving, check the charity’s status using the IRS Tax-Exempt Org Search. Legit charities won’t demand gift cards or crypto donations.
5. ERC Scams (Employee Retention Credit)
Still going strong in 2025. Scammers are still pushing fake ERC claims—and some business owners are getting burned.
These third-party “ERC mills” file false claims on your behalf. You get money... then the IRS asks for it back plus interest.
What to do:
If someone guarantees you qualify without even reviewing your records, that’s your cue to walk away.
6. Spear Phishing for Tax Pros
This one targets professionals.
Hackers use fake IRS emails to gain access to a tax pro’s entire client file.
One click = all your info exposed.
What to do:
Ask your tax preparer what security protocols they follow. You deserve to know how your info is protected.
7. Bogus Tax Advice on TikTok and YouTube
“Don’t pay taxes—just start an LLC and write off everything.”
That’s not advice. That’s bait.
And it’s leading a lot of younger taxpayers straight into audits and penalties.
What to do:
Vet your sources. Just because someone has a mic and a green screen doesn’t mean they understand the tax code.
8. Ghost Preparers
These are “pros” who’ll prepare your return... but refuse to sign it.
Why? Because what they’re doing is illegal. They fudge numbers, inflate credits, and vanish when the IRS comes knocking.
What to do:
Make sure your preparer signs the return and includes their PTIN (Preparer Tax Identification Number). If they don’t, walk away.
9. Fake “IRS Agent” Phone Calls
Yes, this one’s still around. But it’s now automated—and meaner than ever.
Scammers threaten jail time, asset seizure, or “immediate legal action” unless you pay… in gift cards. (That alone should be the red flag.)
What to do:
Hang up. Report the call to TIGTA. And remember: the IRS does not call out of the blue or demand payment this way.
10. Fraudulent Tax Benefits Claims
Scammers are pushing fake deductions, credits, and loopholes to boost refunds—especially around energy credits and education expenses.
If it sounds made-up, it probably is.
What to do:
Only claim what you can document. If your tax pro is “creative” in ways you don’t understand, ask why.
11. Social Security Number Spoofing
Hackers use stolen or guessed SSNs to file fraudulent returns before the real taxpayer does.
Victims usually find out when the IRS rejects their real return as “duplicate.”
What to do:
File early. Consider requesting an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) from the IRS. And use multi-factor authentication on your tax software.
12. False Fuel Tax Credit Claims
This credit is only for off-highway business use (think farmers, not commuters). But scammers are still pushing it as a “hidden refund.”
What to do:
If someone says, “The IRS owes you gas money,” it’s a scam. Don’t sign anything you don’t understand.
Final Word: Be Suspicious. Be Skeptical. Be Smart.
You don’t have to live in fear. But you do need to stay informed.
Here’s the good news: scammers rely on secrecy.
The more people you share this with, the harder it is for the bad guys to win.
Protect Yourself + Your Family:
Share this article with someone who might be vulnerable (hello, aging parents).
Set up multi-factor authentication on all financial logins.
Ask your tax pro how they verify ID and protect your data.
Report suspicious activity to the IRS andFTC.gov.
And when in doubt, always pause and verify before clicking, paying, or giving out info.
Need a Second Set of Eyes on Your Return or Setup?
We review, file, and help protect against scams—because this stuff is our job, not yours.
Let’s talk strategy before the next phishing email hits.
Contact our office to schedule a strategy session.
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