2017 “Dirty Dozen” Tax Schemes

 

The IRS has named the following tax schemes as the 2017 “Dirty Dozen”.  Click on the green links for more information.

  1. Phishing Schemes: http://go.usa.gov/x9FYf
    Watch out for fake emails or websites looking to steal personal information.

  2. Phone Scams a Serious Threat: http://go.usa.gov/x9FYH
    Aggressive & threatening phone calls by criminals impersonating IRS agents remain a major threat to taxpayers.

  3. Identity Theft: http://go.usa.gov/x9FYe
    Tax-related Identity theft – with its related scams to steal personal and financial data from taxpayers or data held by tax professionals – remains a top item on the Dirty Dozen list.

  4. Return Preparer Fraud; Choose Reputable Return Preparers: http://go.usa.gov/x9FYS
    There are some dishonest preparers who set up shop each filing season to perpetrate refund fraud, identity theft and other scams that hurt taxpayers.

  5. Fake Charities: http://go.usa.gov/x9MCm
    Fake charities set up by scam artists to steal your money or personal information.

  6. Falsely Inflating Refund Claims: http://go.usa.gov/x9MQH
    Be alert to unscrupulous tax return preparers touting inflated tax refunds.

  7. Excessive Claims for Business Credits: http://go.usa.gov/x9MzN
    Taxpayers should watch for improper claims for business credits.

  8. Falsely Padding Deductions: http://go.usa.gov/x9ezh
    Avoid the temptation to falsely inflate deductions or expenses on tax returns.

  9. Falsifying Income: http://go.usa.gov/x9tg5
    This scam involves inflating or including income on a tax return that was never earned, either as wages or self-employment income, usually to maximize refundable credits.

  10. Abusive Tax Shelters: http://go.usa.gov/x9tHe
    Taxpayers should avoid unscrupulous promoters who encourage the use of phony tax shelters designed to avoid paying what is owed.

  11. Frivolous Tax Arguments: http://go.usa.gov/x9zma
    Promoters of frivolous schemes encourage taxpayers to make unreasonable and outlandish legal claims to avoid paying their taxes.

  12. Offshore Tax Cheating: http://go.usa.gov/x9zhw
    Avoid hiding money or assets in unreported offshore accounts remains.