IRS Dirty Dozen Tax Scams for 2015

On February 9, 2015, The IRS wrapped up their Dirty Dozen Tax Scams for 2015— with a warning to taxpayers about aggressive telephone scams continuing coast-to-coast during the early weeks of this year’s filing season.  Here’s a recap of all 12.

Phone Scams Continue to be one of the most serious threats  — Aggressive and threatening phone calls by criminals impersonating IRS agents remain near the top of the annual “Dirty Dozen” list of tax scams for the 2015 filing season.

Frivolous Tax Arguments  — The IRS warned taxpayers against using frivolous tax arguments to avoid paying their taxes.

Excessive Claims for Fuel Tax Credits  — The IRS warned that taxpayers should watch for improper claims for fuel tax credits.

Falsifying Income to Claim Tax Credits  — The IRS warns taxpayers about schemes to erroneously claim tax credits.

Abusive Tax Shelters  — The IRS said using abusive tax shelters and structures to avoid paying taxes continues to be a problem.

Filing Fake Documents to Hide Income  — Hiding taxable income by filing false Form 1099s or other fake documents is a tax scam and the IRS warns taxpayers to always avoid and guard against them .

Fake Charities  —  groups masquerading as charitable organizations to attract donations from unsuspecting contributors.

Inflated Refund Claims  — The IRS warns taxpayers to be on the lookout for unscrupulous tax return preparers pushing inflated tax refund claims.  Taxpayers should be wary of anyone who asks them to sign a blank return, promises a big refund before looking at their records, or charges fees based on a percentage of the refund.

Hiding Money or Income Offshore  — The IRS says avoiding taxes by hiding money or assets in unreported offshore accounts remains on its annual list of tax scams.

Return Preparer Fraud  — The IRS today warns taxpayers to be on the lookout for unscrupulous return preparers, one of the most common “Dirty Dozen” tax scams seen during tax season.

Identity Theft is Still a Major Concern   — The IRS issued a filing season alert warning taxpayers to watch out for identity theft at tax time.

Phishing Remains on the IRS “Dirty Dozen” List of Tax Scams for the 2015 Filing Season  — The IRS warns taxpayers to watch out for fake emails or websites looking to steal their personal information.

Scams, especially phone scams, seems to be on the rise again.  Right now, around tax time, we seem to be seeing an increase in tax return related scams.  Be very cautious, especially of people call you saying they are from the IRS.  The IRS would never call as a first step — you would receive a letter from them first.  And, if anyone tells you they are going to arrest you or threatens you in any way unless you put money on a prepaid credit card, or wants you bank account information, they ARE NOT FROM THE IRS.

Here’s a link to an article from the IRS that could be very helpful — Scam Phone Calls Continue — IRS Identifies Five Easy Ways to Spot Suspicious Calls.

And, if you are one of our clients, just tell them we handle all of your tax business and give them our phone number. We’re always available to chat if you have a concern or need to know how to report a scammer to the IRS.  Just give us a call at 559.924.1225.