Tax season is in full swing, and unfortunately, so are the scammers. The IRS recently released its annual “Dirty Dozen” list for 2026, highlighting the most common schemes used to steal money and personal information.
Here is a quick, easy-to-read breakdown of what you need to watch out for this year to keep your finances safe.
The “Big Three” Scams Hitting Inbox & Phones
Scammers are getting more sophisticated, but their goal is the same: to trick you into giving up your data.
- Phishing & Smishing: Watch out for emails (phishing) or texts (smishing) that look like they’re from the IRS. They often use “urgent” language or QR codes to lure you to fake websites.
- AI-Enabled Voice Mimicry: Criminals are now using AI to spoof caller IDs and mimic professional voices in robocalls. Remember: The IRS will almost always mail you a letter first. They won’t call out of the blue to threaten arrest or demand immediate payment.
- Fake Charities: Scammers often exploit current events or disasters to set up fake nonprofits. Always verify a charity’s status at IRS.gov before donating.
Social Media & “Ghost” Tax Prep
Be careful where you get your tax advice. Not every “hack” on your feed is legal.
- Viral “Tax Hacks”: Misleading advice on social media can lead you to claim credits you don’t qualify for. This can result in audits, massive penalties, or delayed refunds.
- “Ghost” Preparers: If someone prepares your taxes but refuses to sign the return or provide their Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN), run. You are legally responsible for everything on that return, even if they filled it out.
- OIC “Mills”: Be wary of companies promising to settle your tax debt for pennies on the dollar. These “Offer in Compromise” mills often charge high fees for results they can’t actually deliver.
New Scams to Watch for in 2026
The IRS noted a sharp increase in a few specific fraudulent claims:
- Form 2439 Abuse: Fabricated claims regarding “Undistributed Long-Term Capital Gains.”
- Self-Employment Tax Credit: Scammers are pushing a “broad” credit that most people don’t actually qualify for.
- Inflated Withholding: Schemes that encourage people to report zero income or fake withholding data to manufacture a huge refund.
How to Stay Safe
- Don’t Click: Never open attachments or links from unexpected “IRS” messages.
- Hang Up: If a caller demands immediate payment via gift card or wire transfer, it’s a scam.
- Check Your Account: Use IRS.gov directly to set up or view your IRS Online Account. Don’t let a third party “help” you set it up.
- Report It: If you receive a suspicious email, forward it to phishing@irs.gov.
Pro Tip: If you think your tax identity has been stolen, visit IRS.gov/idtheft immediately to start the recovery process.
Stay Vigilant This Season Tax scams are evolving, but staying informed is your best defense. If an offer sounds too good to be true—or a message sounds unusually threatening—it’s likely a scam. When in doubt, go straight to the source at IRS.gov. Have you encountered any suspicious tax messages this year? Share this post to help your friends and family stay safe!
We hope this information is helpful to you in the important work you do as a family caregiver.
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