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Top 2025 IRS Scams to Avoid: Protect Your Finances

Scammers are increasing their sophistication, leveraging technology to impersonate trusted sources, including the IRS, using AI. As these scams become harder to recognize, the IRS annually compiles its list of the riskiest, most pervasive scams targeting taxpayers, known as the Dirty Dozen. This is your 2025 guide to staying informed and safeguarding your finances.

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Why Vigilance Is Critical

You might assume scams won't affect you, but evolving threats are designed to circumvent our natural skepticism. Automated systems now imitate real people and organizations, making scams increasingly convincing. Notably, the IRS never initiates contact through emails or texts.

This information is vital for everyone, including friends and family members like those who might still use passwords like “123456.”

The 2025 Dirty Dozen: Scams to Watch

1. AI-Powered Phishing Communications

Scammers use AI to create authentic-looking communications appearing to be from the IRS or your accountant, fooling even the savviest recipients.

How to Protect Yourself: Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited messages. Verify any suspicious message by visiting IRS.gov or contacting your tax professional.

2. Bogus Tax Assistance Ads on Social Media

Beware online advertisements promising oversized tax refunds or aid for non-filers. Behind the guise of assistance, personal data theft and fraudulent claims occur.

How to Protect Yourself: Engage only with licensed tax professionals and question unusually large refund promises.

3. Manipulative Offer in Compromise Schemes

While legitimate, some claimants misuse the IRS Offer in Compromise program, charging fees under false pretenses.

How to Protect Yourself: Seek advice from knowledgeable tax advisors, ensuring transparency and comprehensive understanding of your financial situation.

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4. Imposter Charities

In times of disaster, fake charitable organizations emerge, seeking donations through electronic means while masquerading as legitimate entities.

How to Protect Yourself: Verify charitable organizations via the IRS Tax-Exempt Org Search, and avoid contributions via unconventional methods such as gift cards.

5. Employee Retention Credit Fraud

Despite being a persistent threat, fraudulent ERC claims remain prevalent, frequently resulting in IRS reimbursement demands.

How to Protect Yourself: If guarantees are made without examining your records, that’s a warning signal of deceit.

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Staying Proactive Against Tax Scams

Protection against scams requires vigilance and skepticism. Sharing knowledge erodes scammers' advantage. Keep your financial details safe by adopting multi-factor authentication and ensuring your tax advisor’s data security protocols are robust.

If you need guidance through the complexities of tax filings and assurance against scams, our firm in Coral Gables, Florida, is equipped to assist you. Contact us to schedule a session and strategize against these threats.

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