These red flags can help you avoid fraud and dangerous threats: These are the IRS’s dirty dozen tax scams

It often seems like a game of whack-a-mole when it comes to fighting scammers. Once we catch onto one of their rouses to part our money from us, they’ve already come up with a new tactic.

Authorities believe that less than 7% of people who get scammed actually report it, typically out of embarrassment. However, by informing law enforcement, those affected can help protect others and hopefully put the criminals behind bars.

Fraud.org says that American consumers reported losing $12.5 billion in 2025, however, that number is very likely just the tip of the iceberg of what was stolen last year. According to estimates by the Federal Trade Commission, thieves ran off with some $196 billion.

Tax season is prime hunting ground for scoundrels as people are racing to get their tax declarations filed. Many taxpayers often need help on the one hand to ensure that they avoid errors but as well to get a bigger refund.

This can open doors for unscrupulous operators to take advantage of the situation. In order to help American taxpayers, the Internal Revenue Service puts out a “Dirty Dozen” list of key scams to watch out for each year.

IRS updates its “Dirty Dozen” scam list

A new scam that the IRS is highlighting this year is abusive undistributed long-term capital gains claims. The agency has seen an increase in overstated or fabricated claims on Notice to Shareholder of Undistributed Long-Term Capital Gains, declared on Form 2439. This scam has replaced prior concerns of false claims for the fuel tax credit.

The following are the IRS’ 2026 “Dirty Dozen” list of scams the U.S. tax agency is on the lookout for and you should be too:

• IRS impersonation by email and text (phishing + smishing)
• AI-enabled IRS impersonation by phone (robocalls, voice mimicry, spoofed caller ID)
• Fake charities
• Misleading tax advice on social media
• Identity theft involving IRS Online Account access
• Abusive undistributed long-term capital gains claims
• Bogus “Self-Employment Tax Credit” promotion
• Ghost preparers
• Non-cash charitable contribution schemes
• Overstated withholding schemes (fabricated wage/withholding data)
• Spear-phishing and malware campaigns targeting tax professionals
• Aggressive or misleading Offer in Compromise marketing (“OIC mills”)

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