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Top IRS Dirty Dozen Scams of 2025: Safeguard Your Finances

Let’s be clear about one thing:

Scammers aren't taking a break. Image 1

They’re becoming more cunning, swift, and alarmingly adept at impersonation—especially with the aid of AI technologies capable of replicating voices, emails, and even mimicking the writing style of your trusted tax professional.

The IRS is aware of these tactics as well. This is why they annually release a list highlighting the most prevalent and dangerous scams targeting taxpayers. They’ve aptly named it the Dirty Dozen. We see it as your indispensable annual alert.

Here’s what you should watch out for in 2025—and strategies to ensure you and your loved ones remain unaffected.

Why You Should Care (Even If You Never Click on Suspicious Links)

You might believe, This could never happen to me.

Unfortunately, the statistics tell a different story.

Scams are evolving rapidly. Many are deliberately engineered to bypass your natural defenses. AI makes the deception more plausible. Technology makes tracing harder. Importantly, the IRS will never make initial contact by phone, email, or text.

So yes—this article is pertinent to you. It’s also crucial for your parents, children, and that friend who still uses "123456" as their password.

2025’s Leading Tax Scams (The Dirty Dozen)

1. AI-Simulated Phishing Emails and Texts

This trend is particularly unsettling this year.

Scammers are weaponizing AI to craft hyper-realistic emails and texts that are indistinguishable from those sent by the IRS, trustworthy tax software, or even your accountant. They ask for your personal information using official-looking logos and simulate urgency to cajole you into acting hastily.

Pro Tip: Never click on links within unsolicited communications from the IRS. The IRS does not initiate contact via email or text. Always navigate directly to IRS.gov or consult your tax professional.

2. Deceptive "Refund Assistance" Ads on Social Media

Scrolling through Instagram, you encounter an ad claiming:

“We’ll secure you a $10K refund—even if you haven’t filed taxes!”

Sound too good to be true? It is. Image 2

These transient services file counterfeit returns with your personal data. You might receive funds, but the IRS will subsequently reclaim them with penalties attached.

Solution: Partner only with licensed, verified tax professionals. Question any refund that appears disproportionately large.

3. Offer in Compromise Shenanigans

While the Offer in Compromise program legitimately aids individuals unable to pay substantial tax debts in full, fraudulent companies exploit it by promising guaranteed forgivness, demanding upfront fees, and vanishing when complications arise.

Advice: If you're indebted to the IRS, seek counsel from a tax professional who comprehends your complete situation—not a faceless call center sourcing your information.

Final Thought: Remain Vigilant and Informed

While there’s no need to live in fear, staying informed is crucial.

The silver lining: scammers depend on secrecy. The more you share this knowledge, the harder it becomes for them to succeed.

Protect Yourself and Your Family:

  • Share this article with those who might be susceptible (consider aging relatives and newcomers to adult financial responsibilities).

  • Implement multi-factor authentication on all financial accounts.

  • Inquire about the security protocols your tax professional uses to safeguard your data.

  • Report any suspicious activities to the IRS via andFTC.gov.

  • When uncertain, always pause and verify before clicking, paying, or releasing personal information.

Need Professional Guidance? We’re Here to Help.

At Tax Resolvers - Caros Group, we specialize in shielding clients from tax pitfalls and scams. Let us handle the intricacies so you can rest easy. Contact us today to schedule a one-on-one strategy session.

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