Tax Scams You Need to Watch Out For: The IRS Dirty Dozen 2025

Ah, tax season—the most wonderful time of the year (said no one ever). But just when you thought filing your taxes was stressful enough, the IRS has once again graced us with its annual Dirty Dozen list—a lineup of the most common and dangerous tax scams in 2025. Because what’s tax season without a little extra paranoia?

From ghost tax preparers who disappear faster than your tax refund to phony charities that tug at your heartstrings while emptying your wallet, scammers are working overtime. And if you think you’re too smart to fall for one of these schemes, think again—these fraudsters are constantly evolving, and the numbers don’t lie.

Tax Scams by the Numbers: Why You Should Care

If you’re wondering whether tax scams are really that big of a deal, here’s a reality check:

• In Q3 of 2024 alone, there were nearly a million phishing attacks (932,923 to be exact).

• Social media accounted for 30.5% of these attacks, text messages 22%, and Gmail accounts a whopping 83.1% (shoutout to APWG for these terrifying stats).

• The Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) reported that consumers lost a staggering $1.03 TRILLION to scams—yep, that’s trillion with a “T.” And guess who got hit the hardest? That’s right, U.S. taxpayers.

If those numbers don’t make you want to triple-check your tax return, I don’t know what will.

sources: APWG and GASA

The Top 12 IRS Tax Scams of 2025

Every year, the IRS compiles a list of the worst tax scams to help you avoid getting duped. Here’s what made the Dirty Dozen list for 2025:

1. Email phishing scams

2. Bad social media tax advice

3. Fake IRS Individual Account help from scammers

4. Fraudulent charities

5. False Fuel Credit Claims

6. Bogus Credits for Sick Leave and Family Leave

7. Fake Self-Employment Tax Credit schemes

8. Improper Household Employment Taxes

9. Overstated Withholding Scam

10. Misleading Offers in Compromise

11. Ghost Tax Return Preparers

12. New client scams and spear phishing attacks

Now, let’s take a closer look at the worst offenders.

1. Ghost Tax Preparers: Here Today, Gone Tomorrow

If your tax preparer refuses to sign your tax return, uses mass-market software like TurboTax or H&R Block’s DIY version, and conveniently “forgets” to include their Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN)—congratulations, you’ve got yourself a ghost preparer! And just like an actual ghost, they’ll vanish the second things go south.

IRS trouble is not a matter of if, but when—and when that day comes, saying, “But my tax preparer did it, I just signed!” won’t save you from penalties (or worse).

2. Bad Social Media Tax Advice: TikTok Hacks That’ll Get You Audited

OH MY GOSH, BECKY, LOOK AT THAT LIAR. If some random influencer is promising to save you thousands on taxes without knowing a single thing about your finances, just assume they’re as legit as a three-dollar bill.

Fun fact: No two tax returns are the same. Just because John Smith found a loophole doesn’t mean Jane Doe can use it, too. So unless you enjoy explaining yourself to an IRS auditor, maybe don’t take financial advice from a TikTok comment section.

3. Fake Charities: The Scam That Steals from Everyone

Nothing boils my blood quite like scammers exploiting people’s generosity. You think you’re donating to help animals, disaster victims, or other worthy causes, but in reality, your money is going toward some dirtbag’s new yacht.

If you want to give to a real charity, always verify their legitimacy through IRS resources or platforms like Charity Navigator. Otherwise, you’re just funding fraud.

How to Report Tax Scams

If you spot a shady tax preparer or a scammy tax scheme, don’t just shake your head—report it! Here’s how:

1. Fill out Form 14242 – Report Suspected Abusive Tax Promotions or Preparers.

2. Submit it online, by mail, or by fax to the IRS Lead Development Center.

• Mail: Internal Revenue Service, Lead Development Center MS7900, 1973 N. Rulon White Blvd, Ogden, UT 84404.

• Fax: 877-477-9135.

3. If you want to get paid for snitching (because why not?), send the info to the IRS Whistleblower Office for a possible monetary reward.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Be the IRS’s Next Case Study

At the end of the day, the IRS Dirty Dozen list is your annual reminder that scammers never take a day off. Whether it’s a shady tax preparer, a fake refund scheme, or a social media tax “hack”, the IRS is watching. And just because your buddy’s cousin’s roommate swears a loophole works doesn’t mean you won’t end up explaining it to an auditor.

So, keep your tax game clean, stay skeptical, and let the scammers be the ones sweating bullets when the IRS comes knocking. If you’re unsure about anything tax-related, talk to your friendly neighborhood tax pro (aka me).

For even more scam-spotting fun, check out past IRS warnings here: irs.gov/dirtydozen