Tax scams tend to spike this time of year, as people are getting ready to file their taxes and scammers know we’re expecting communication from the Internal Revenue Service about refunds, payments, and account updates. Eric Bronnenkant, head of tax at Edelman Financial Engines, explains that fraudsters take advantage of that and hope “to catch people off guard and stressed.”
With the April 15th tax deadline less than a month away, the IRS is warning taxpayers about the top ways swindlers are trying to rip us off with their “Dirty Dozen” list of tax scams for 2026. These are the top ones to watch for this year:
- IRS impersonation by email and text - These emails, texts and messages look like they’re from the IRS, often with QR codes or links to fake IRS websites that direct people to “verify” accounts with personal information.
- AI-enabled IRS impersonation by phone - Robocalls and spoofed caller IDs that look legit are common, but the IRS points out they generally contact people by mail first and don’t leave urgent or threatening messages or demand immediate payments.
- Fake charities - Fraudsters often exploit tragedies and disasters by creating fake charities to bring in money and personal info, but you can’t claim a deduction on your tax return for a donation to a fake one.
- Misleading social media advice - Don’t believe all the “tax hacks” you see in your feed. The IRS reported more than 600 social media impersonators in 2025 alone.
- Identity theft with IRS online account - Scammers may try to get access to someone’s IRS account online using stolen info and data.
- Abuse of undistributed long-term capital gains claims - The IRS has seen an increase in abuse of Form 2439, which “allows shareholders of certain investment funds of real estate trusts to claim a refundable credit for taxes paid on undistributed capital gains.”
- Misleading “self-employment tax credit” promotions - Fraudsters are using bogus claims about a broad “self-employment tax credit” to encourage incorrect tax filings, leading to improper refunds.
- “Ghost preparers” - They prepare tax returns, but refuse to sign them or provide a Preparer Tax Identification Number, and that’s a huge red flag since preparers are legally responsible for what’s filed.
- Rounding out the Dirty Dozen are: Non-cash charitable contribution scams, Overstated withholding schemes, Spear-phishing and malware campaigns, and “Offer in Compromise mills.”
Source: NY Post