Since 2002, the IRS has published what it terms the Dirty Dozen. This is a list of current scams being used to steal money from taxpayers.
Please take heed of this list. As Entrepreneurs, we’re always targeted. The following are just a few of the Dozen, that include…
Email Phishing Scams
This is where a criminal poses as a legitimate organization in the tax community, including the IRS, state tax agencies and tax software companies. These messages arrive in the form of unsolicited texts or emails luring unsuspecting victims to provide valuable personal and financial information that can lead to identity theft.
Ridiculous Social Media Advice
If a nineteen-year-old child on Tiktok tells you that you can spend $2,000 for a pair of Christian Louboutin Heels, and deduct them on your return as a Uniform Expense, please don’t fall for it. In order for a uniform to be deductible it must look out of the ordinary when walking down the street in it like a mechanics shirt that says “Bob”, or must be a costume bought for a theatrical production.
IRS Individual Online Account Help
Criminals can pose as a third party offering help to create a taxpayer’s IRS Individual Online Account. Third parties making these offers will steal a taxpayer’s personal information and submit fraudulent tax returns in the victim’s name to get a refunds.
Fake Charities
Unlawful charities are a problem that gets worse whenever a crisis or natural disaster strikes. Criminals set up fake organizations to seek money and personal information, which can also be used to further exploit victims through identity theft.
Credits For Sick And Family Leave
This specialized credit is only available to self-employed individuals during the pandemic for 2020 and 2021 filing seasons. It isn’t available for later tax years.
False Self-Employment Tax Credit
Social media advice continues to circulate about a non-existent “Self-Employment Tax Credit” that misleads taxpayers into filing false claims.
The complete list of the IRS Dirty Dozen that includes these and many others can be found at the following link…
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/dirty-dozen-tax-scams-for-2025-irs-warns-taxpayers-to-watch-out-for-dangerous-threats
Let me leave you with this…
Over the years, this list has changed dramatically. Ten years ago, it warned of Telemarketing Scams and Overstating Your Withholding on a return to get a larger refund.
How things have changed.
One thing is certain, It’s a rare year when any one of us isn’t targeted by one of these scams.
You need to be weary. Protect your information. Here are a couple of rules that should be followed.
The IRS never calls or sends a text to your phone. If you are contacted in such a manner, block the number. Its a scam.
If someone from the state or one of the credit card companies calls you with an “offer” and asks you to verify your identity by giving them your social security number and address, don’t do it. Don’t you think these individuals would already have that information?
Ask them to mail you the offer. When they object and ask you for a good email address to use, don’t do it. Again, this is information they would already have.
If you receive an email that just looks wrong, don’t open it. Push delete. If it was important, whoever sent it will probably send it again, and maybe make a call.
Be careful.
We’re all going to get through this. Let’s get through it together.
Accounting Solutions Ltd. stands ready to complete our mission and purpose of protecting you, your family, and your business. Whether you need Payroll Services, or Accounting and Tax Work, you have but to ask. I’m here and I remain,
Sincerely yours,
Chris Amundson
President
Accounting Solutions Ltd.
773-267-7500
888-310-0300
www.SalarySolutions.net
www.AccountingSolutionsLtd.com
Note that the only professional services provided by Accounting Solutions Ltd. are those specified in a written communication from our office detailing the scope of services to be rendered and the terms and conditions applicable to the engagement.