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Issue Number: Tax Tip 2026-23

A deeper dive into the Dirty Dozen: Taxpayers stay alert in peak filing season

Every year the IRS announces a list of top tax scams that threaten the tax and financial information of taxpayers, businesses, and tax professionals. It’s called the Dirty Dozen, which is part of a broader Security Summit campaign. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be breaking down these top 12 scams and schemes.

Unfortunately, scams can happen anytime, but there’s a few that are more common during filing season. Let’s take a closer look at some of the ones taxpayers need to keep watch for, especially now.

 IRS impersonation by email and text (phishing and smishing)

• https://www.irs.gov/privacy-disclosure/irs-privacy-guidance-about-email-contact Scammers send alarming emails, direct messages on social media, and texts that appear to be from the IRS. The messages direct taxpayers to fake IRS websites to “verify” accounts, enter personal information, or claim refunds. The IRS only emails or texts taxpayers after getting their permission, with a few exceptions like criminal investigations.
• Never click any unsolicited communication claiming to be from the IRS. These links may install malicious software, including ransomware, on a taxpayer’s personal device, potentially preventing access to their files or personal information. To report suspected IRS-related phishing emails or messages, send them to phishing@irs.gov and follow IRS reporting instructions.

AI-enabled IRS impersonation by phone (robocalls, voice mimicry, spoofed caller ID)

• Phone scams continue to evolve, including calls that use computer-generated tactics and spoofed caller ID to appear legitimate. In general, the IRS contacts taxpayers by mail first and does not leave urgent, threatening prerecorded messages, call to demand immediate payment, or threaten arrest. If a taxpayer gets a suspicious IRS-related call, hang up.
• Additionally, taxpayers should not rely on AI-generated responses to complex tax questions, and they should verify any calculations or information provided by artificial intelligence.

 Misleading tax advice on social media

• There’s a lot of tax related misinformation on social media. Don’t be tempted by the promise of a larger refund. These viral “tax hacks” often encourage taxpayers to file returns with false information or claim credits they don’t qualify for, leading to refund delays, audits, penalties, or worse. Only follow trusted advice from the IRS, tax professionals, and other reputable sources.

 How to report suspicious activity

The IRS recently launched a new online tool for taxpayers, tax professionals, and the public to report suspected tax fraud, scams, identity theft, or other tax-related wrongdoing. Tips can be submitted confidentially using a smartphone, tablet, or computer at IRS.gov/SubmitATip. It consolidates IRS fraud-reporting options into one location and routes tips to the appropriate IRS office. If a taxpayer thinks their tax identity has been compromised, visit IRS.gov/idtheft for steps to protect their account.

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