With the tax filing deadline coming up on April 15, the IRS released its annual "Dirty Dozen" list of tax scams for 2025 to warn people of common schemes.
The article from MSN Money discusses various tax scams that taxpayers should be wary of during tax season. It highlights the dangers of "ghost preparers," who are tax preparers that refuse to sign returns, leaving taxpayers vulnerable to fraudulent activities. Another scam mentioned is "spear phishing," where fraudsters impersonate IRS officials or other trusted entities to steal personal information. The article also warns about fake charities, where scammers set up fraudulent organizations to collect donations, and the misuse of tax preparation software to steal identities. Additionally, it cautions against offers for large refunds, promises of "free money," or unsolicited tax advice, emphasizing the importance of verifying the legitimacy of tax preparers and being cautious with personal information. The IRS does not initiate contact via email, text, or social media to request personal or financial information, which is a key indicator of a scam.