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IRS Dirty Dozen Tax Scams of 2025: Stay Informed and Protected

First things first: scammers aren’t retreating anytime soon.

Their tactics are becoming more sophisticated, leveraging AI to impersonate trusted figures, including your tax advisor. This alarming trend has prompted the IRS to release its annual 'Dirty Dozen' list, highlighting this year’s most notorious tax scams aimed at exploiting unsuspecting taxpayers.

This list isn't just a summary—it's an essential alert for you and everyone you care about.

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Why Awareness is Crucial (Even for the Tech-Savvy)

You might feel invincible, thinking, This won't happen to me. However, data indicates otherwise.

Scams today are crafted to sidestep your protective instincts. Powered by AI, they’re convincing, tech-savvy, and hard to identify, especially since the IRS does not initiate contact through calls, emails, or texts.

This guide is crucial for everyone—yourself, family, friends, and that acquaintance who still uses 'password' as their security key.

Top Tax Scams of 2025: An Overview of the Dirty Dozen

1. AI-Driven Phishing Emails and Texts

The scariest emergence this year involves scammers using AI to create highly realistic emails and texts mimicking the IRS, tax software, or even your accountant.

These messages have official logos, personal info, and simulated urgency that may prompt reckless clicks.

Pro Tip: Avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages claiming to be from the IRS. Always access IRS.gov directly or contact your tax professional for verification.

2. Fraudulent Social Media Ads Promising Refund Boosts

Ever seen a social media ad offering to amp up your refund—or grant one without filing taxes?

Scammers use such ads to file false returns with your data. Initial financial gain may result in IRS penalties and clawbacks.

Pro Tip: Hire only verified tax professionals. Question unusually high refund promises.

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3. Misleading Offer in Compromise Firms

While Offers in Compromise are legitimate, fraudulent companies exploit this by charging hefty fees with empty guarantees.

Pro Tip: If you owe IRS debts, consult with a tax expert who understands your financial position, instead of relying on call centers.

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4. Fake Charity Solicitations Following Disasters

Tragic events often lead to a surge of charity scams soliciting contributions via various channels.

Pro Tip: Use the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search to verify charities. Legitimate ones won't request gift cards or cryptocurrency.

5. Misleading Employee Retention Credit Claims

In 2025, fraudulent claims for ERC still surface, risking penalties for business owners caught unawares.

Pro Tip: If a company assures your eligibility without due diligence, walk away.

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6. Tax Professional Targeted Spear Phishing

Hackers exploit fake IRS emails to breach tax professionals' files, threatening client security.

Pro Tip: Inquire about security protocols with your tax preparer to safeguard your information.

7. Dubious Tax Advice on Social Platforms

Content creators on TikTok and YouTube at times offer inaccurate tax advice that can lead to audits.

Pro Tip: Verify the professional backgrounds of those offering tax advice online.

8. Ghost Tax Preparers

These are preparers who refuse to sign your return, engaging in illegal practices to boost refunds falsely.

Pro Tip: Ensure your preparer signs the return and includes their IRS-assigned PTIN.

Concluding Thought: Always Stay Vigilant

While vigilance can guard against these scams, sharing knowledge exponentially reduces risk.

Empower yourself and others:

  • Spread awareness to potentially vulnerable individuals.

  • Activate multi-factor authentication on all financial profiles.

  • Discuss how your tax information is protected with your professional consultant.

  • Report dubious activities to the IRS at andFTC.gov.

  • Adopt a policy of verification before responding to potential scams.

Need Expert Help with Your Taxes?

We specialize in navigating complexities to safeguard against fraud. Connect with us for a strategic consultation before that next phishing attempt surfaces.

Contact us today to schedule your strategy session.

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