How to Avoid Tax Scams & Safeguard Your Finances.

Estimated read time: 5 minutes

As Tax Scams Evolve, Learn the Warning Signs.

The IRS Dirty Dozen Tax Scams for 2026.

The IRS’s Dirty Dozen is a list highlighting tax scams that threaten taxpayers, businesses and tax professionals. With scammers continually adjusting their tactics, the IRS says it’s important to remain cautious year-round.

Here are the 12 threats on the IRS list for 2026:

1. IRS impersonation

   Scammers send emails, messages and texts that seem to come from the IRS, sometimes using alarming language, links or QR codes that lead to fake websites designed to collect personal information. Never follow a link in any unsolicited communication claiming to be from the IRS.

2. AI-enabled IRS impersonation by phone

   Phone scams can use computer-generated messages, voice mimicry and spoofed caller ID to seem real. However, the IRS generally contacts taxpayers by mail first and doesn’t leave urgent, threatening prerecorded messages, demand immediate payment by phone or threaten arrest.

3. Fake charities

   Fraudsters may take advantage of tragedies and disasters by creating fake charities designed to collect donations and personal information. To make sure your donation could count as a deduction, you can check the search tool of tax-exempt organizations recognized by the IRS.

4. Misleading tax advice on social media

   Beware of viral “tax hacks.” The IRS warns that inaccurate advice can encourage people to claim credits they don’t qualify for or put false information on their returns, which can result in refund delays, audits, penalties or worse.

5. Identity theft involving IRS online accounts

   Criminals may use stolen personal information to try to access someone’s IRS online account or pose as someone offering to help set up an account so they can collect sensitive information. The IRS advises creating your account directly through IRS.gov and not relying on unsolicited third parties offering to do it for you.

6. Abusive undistributed long-term capital gains claims

   New to the Dirty Dozen for 2026, the IRS is warning about overstated or fabricated claims involving Form 2439, including claims tied to organizations that aren’t legitimate investment funds or real estate trusts.

7. Bogus “Self-Employment Tax Credit” promotions

   Scammers are promoting misleading claims about a broad “self-employment tax credit” to encourage inaccurate filings and improper refunds. The IRS closely reviews claims under this provision and says many taxpayers don’t qualify for these credits.

8. Ghost preparers

   Even when you use a tax preparer, you are legally responsible for what is filed, so the IRS warns to watch out for ghost preparers who refuse to sign the return or provide a Preparer Tax Identification Number.

9. Non-cash charitable contribution schemes

   Some schemes promote inflated appraisals of donated property and promise to eliminate or substantially reduce a taxpayer’s tax liability.

10. Overstated withholding schemes

    Scammers may encourage taxpayers to inflate withholding amounts or use incorrect information to try to get a larger refund. The IRS cautions that false claims can lead to penalties and enforcement action.

11. Spear-phishing and malware targeting tax professionals

    Tax professionals and businesses may receive fake “new client” or “document request” emails containing malicious links or attachments designed to steal client information or access systems.

12. Misleading Offer in Compromise (OIC) marketing

    Some businesses, sometimes called OIC mills, may overpromise tax-debt relief and charge high fees to people who don’t qualify for the IRS Offer in Compromise program. Instead, check your eligibility using free IRS tools.