09/21/2026
This is a good list to be mindful of - published by the IRS.
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🚨 **THE IRS DIRTY DOZEN: 12 TAX SCAMS TO WATCH OUT FOR!** 🚨
Think you found a “tax hack” online that will get you a HUGE refund? 🤔
Before you click, claim, or file… STOP! Some of these so-called tax strategies can lead to penalties, interest, audits — or worse.
The IRS has released its **2026 Dirty Dozen**, highlighting 12 scams and schemes taxpayers should watch for:
1️⃣ **IRS impersonation by email & text** 📱
Scammers send fake IRS messages with links, QR codes or requests for personal information.
2️⃣ **AI-powered IRS phone scams** 🤖📞
Scammers can use voice technology and spoofed caller ID to make calls sound legitimate.
3️⃣ **Fake charities** ❤️
Be careful before donating, especially following a disaster. Not every organization claiming to be a charity qualifies for a tax deduction.
4️⃣ **Misleading tax advice on social media** 📲
That viral “tax hack” may actually encourage you to put false information on your tax return.
5️⃣ **IRS Online Account identity theft** 🔐
Scammers may offer to “help” you set up an IRS account — while actually trying to steal your information.
6️⃣ **Abusive undistributed capital gain claims** 💰
The IRS is seeing fraudulent or overstated claims involving **Form 2439**.
7️⃣ **The bogus “Self-Employment Tax Credit”** 🚨
There is NO broad credit that lets self-employed individuals simply claim thousands of dollars because they are self-employed.
8️⃣ **Ghost tax preparers** 👻
If your tax preparer refuses to sign your return or provide a valid PTIN, that's a BIG red flag. YOU are still responsible for what's filed.
9️⃣ **Inflated non-cash charitable contributions**
Be cautious of schemes involving inflated values for donated property, artwork or other assets.
🔟 **Fake income & withholding** 💵
Some scams encourage taxpayers to invent wages or withholding to generate a bigger refund.
1️⃣1️⃣ **Phishing & malware targeting tax professionals** 💻
Tax preparers and businesses are targeted with fake “new client” emails and document requests designed to steal data.
1️⃣2️⃣ **Tax scams don't take a vacation!** ☀️
The IRS warns that scams happen **year-round**, not just during tax season.
👉 **The bottom line:** If someone promises you a huge refund with a “secret tax loophole,” tells you to make up information, or pressures you to act immediately, 🚩 **BE CAREFUL!**
And remember: **YOU are ultimately responsible for the information on your tax return — even if someone else prepared it.**
At **Gardi & Gardi CPAs, P.A.**, we believe good tax planning means using legitimate tax strategies supported by the tax law — not risky internet “hacks.”
