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By Sam Stevenson
Associate News Editor
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The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is urging taxpayers to stay alert for scams as the filing deadline nears, warning that criminals are using tax season to target Americans with increasingly sophisticated schemes.
Why It Matters
Tax season consistently brings a spike in fraud, with scammers exploiting confusion, urgency and fear around filing and refunds.
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Federal officials say these tactics evolve every year as criminals adapt to new technology and taxpayer behavior.
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What To Know
The IRS released its annual "Dirty Dozen" list on March 5, highlighting the most common and dangerous tax scams facing Americans during the 2026 filing season.
The list is published each year to flag emerging threats and recurring schemes that can lead to identity theft, financial loss or compromised tax accounts.
While the tactics vary, many scams rely on impersonation, misinformation or promises that sound too good to be true.
According to the IRS, scammers often pose as agency officials or trusted third parties, contacting taxpayers by email, text message or phone call.
These messages may claim there is a problem with a return, threaten legal action or promise a large refund in exchange for personal information.
Other schemes take advantage of social media, where misleading tax advice can spread quickly.
Fraudsters may encourage people to claim credits they are not eligible for or follow filing strategies that could trigger audits or penalties.
The IRS also warns about fake tax preparers who advertise quick refunds or guaranteed results but disappear after filing fraudulent returns.
In some cases, taxpayers do not realize something is wrong until they receive IRS notices months later.
Officials stress that the agency does not initiate contact with taxpayers through unsolicited emails, texts or social media messages.
Requests for sensitive information, especially when paired with pressure or threats, are a major red flag.
The Dirty Dozen campaign is part of a broader effort by the IRS to educate the public during tax season, especially as filing deadlines approach and anxiety levels rise.
The IRS's 2026 Dirty Dozen: 12 Key Scams To Watch For
1. IRS Impersonation by Email and Text (Phishing and Smishing)
Scammers send emails, texts and social media messages pretending to be from the IRS, often using urgent language or QR codes to steal personal information. Clicking links can also install malware that locks users out of their devices or files.
2. AI‑Enabled IRS Impersonation by Phone
Fraudsters use robocalls, spoofed numbers and even AI‑generated voices to pose as IRS officials demanding immediate action. The IRS says it does not make threatening prerecorded calls or demand payment over the phone.
3. Fake Charities
Scammers create fake charities, often after disasters or tragedies, to steal donations and personal information. Only donations to IRS‑recognized charities qualify for tax deductions.
4. Misleading Tax Advice on Social Media
Viral "tax hacks" online may encourage people to claim credits they don't qualify for or file false information. Following this advice can lead to audits, delayed refunds, penalties or criminal consequences.
5. Identity Theft Involving IRS Online Accounts
Criminals use stolen personal data to break into IRS online accounts or pose as helpers during account setup. Taxpayers should create accounts only through IRS.gov and avoid unsolicited assistance.
6. Abusive Undistributed Long‑Term Capital Gains Claims
Some schemes involve fake or inflated Form 2439 claims tied to nonexistent or misrepresented investment funds. These improper filings can trigger audits, refund delays and enforcement action.
7. Bogus "Self‑Employment Tax Credit" Promotions
Scammers falsely promote a broad self‑employment tax credit to generate improper refunds. The IRS says many taxpayers do not qualify and closely reviews these claims.
8. Ghost Preparers
Ghost preparers file returns but refuse to sign them or include a required identification number. Taxpayers are legally responsible for what's filed, making unsigned returns a major red flag.
9. Non‑Cash Charitable Contribution Schemes
Some promoters inflate the value of donated property, artwork, or conservation easements to reduce tax bills. The IRS warns it may hold refunds while verifying questionable claims.
10. Overstated Withholding Schemes
Scammers encourage taxpayers to falsify withholding amounts to create larger refunds on paper. The IRS cross‑checks filings with third‑party records and may impose penalties.
11. Spear-Phishing and Malware Targeting Tax Professionals
Hackers target tax professionals with fake client emails or document requests carrying malicious links. Stolen access can expose sensitive taxpayer data and spread scams further.
12. Aggressive or Misleading Offer in Compromise Marketing
Some companies overpromise tax debt relief through the Offer in Compromise program while charging high fees to ineligible taxpayers. The IRS urges people to use its free tools to check eligibility before paying anyone.
When Is the Tax Filing Deadline?
The deadline to file federal tax returns for 2025 income is April 15.
Any taxes owed must also be paid by that date to avoid penalties and interest.
U.S. citizens and residents living or serving in the military outside the country automatically get an extra two months to file, with their deadline extended to June 15.
What People Are Saying
IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano said: "Slam the Scam Day provides a great opportunity to remind everyone to remain vigilant and watch out for scams because thieves continuously adjust the pitches they use to take advantage of honest taxpayers.
"For more than two decades, the IRS has used the Dirty Dozen list to flag emerging scams that taxpayers should watch out for."
What Happens Next
With the tax deadline drawing closer, federal officials are expected to continue pushing public awareness efforts, while consumer advocates and lawmakers keep a broader focus on fraud, cybersecurity and identity theft beyond tax season.
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