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.
Phishing Schemes: http://go.usa.gov/x9FYf
Watch out for fake emails or websites looking to steal personal information.
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.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.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.Fake Charities: http://go.usa.gov/x9MCm
Fake charities set up by scam artists to steal your money or personal information.Falsely Inflating Refund Claims: http://go.usa.gov/x9MQH
Be alert to unscrupulous tax return preparers touting inflated tax refunds.Excessive Claims for Business Credits: http://go.usa.gov/x9MzN
Taxpayers should watch for improper claims for business credits.Falsely Padding Deductions: http://go.usa.gov/x9ezh
Avoid the temptation to falsely inflate deductions or expenses on tax returns.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.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.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.Offshore Tax Cheating: http://go.usa.gov/x9zhw
Avoid hiding money or assets in unreported offshore accounts remains.
