Every year, the IRS releases its "Dirty Dozen" list—the twelve most dangerous tax scams targeting Americans. The 2025 list includes several scams that specifically threaten military families, real estate investors, and small business owners.
Here's what you need to know to protect yourself this filing season.
The Scams That Should Worry You Most
1. Bad Social Media Tax Advice
This is the big one for 2025. TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are flooded with "tax hacks" that sound too good to be true—because they are. Creators are telling viewers to manipulate Form W-2 data, claim credits they don't qualify for, and use strategies that will trigger audits and penalties.
The IRS has started rejecting returns based on viral misinformation. If your tax strategy came from a 60-second video, it's probably wrong.
2. Ghost Tax Preparers
A "ghost" preparer fills out your return but refuses to sign it or provide their IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). This is illegal—and it's a massive red flag.
Why do they hide? Because they're inflating your refund with false deductions or credits. When the IRS comes knocking, you're the one holding the bag, not them.
Rule of thumb: If a preparer won't sign your return, walk away.
3. Phishing Emails and Texts
Scammers impersonate the IRS, banks, and tax software companies to steal your personal information. These messages look increasingly legitimate—complete with official logos and urgent language about refunds or legal action.
Remember: The IRS will never initiate contact via email, text, or social media. Their first contact is always by mail. I wrote about protecting yourself from online fraud in detail—those same principles apply here.
Scams Targeting Specific Groups
False Fuel Tax Credit Claims
Promoters are pushing the Fuel Tax Credit (Form 4136) to people who don't qualify. This credit is for off-highway business use or farming—not for your daily commute. If someone promises you thousands in fuel credits and you're not running heavy equipment or a farm, it's a scam.
Bogus Self-Employment Tax Credits
Social media is promoting a "self-employment tax credit" that doesn't exist. Self-employed individuals do have legitimate deductions—I help clients with these all the time—but this particular "credit" is fabricated. Claiming it will get your return rejected or trigger an audit.
Sick Leave and Family Leave Credit Abuse
Form 7202 credits were available to self-employed individuals in 2020 and 2021 only. Scammers are convincing people to claim these credits for 2024 and 2025 returns. The IRS is flagging and rejecting these claims immediately.
How to Protect Yourself
- Verify your preparer. Check the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers to confirm credentials.
- Be skeptical of "secret" deductions. If it's not in IRS publications, it's not real.
- Monitor your IRS account. Create an account at irs.gov/account to catch fraudulent returns filed in your name.
- Never respond to unsolicited IRS contact. If you receive a suspicious email or text, report it to phishing@irs.gov.
The Bottom Line
Tax season brings out the scammers. The IRS Dirty Dozen list is a useful reminder that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Work with a credentialed tax professional who signs their work, follows the law, and keeps you out of trouble. That's what I do for my clients—whether they're military members navigating complex state residency rules, landlords managing depreciation, or solopreneurs maximizing legitimate deductions.
Questions About Your Tax Situation?
If you're unsure whether advice you've received is legitimate, or if you want a professional review of your tax strategy, I'm here to help.
Contact MeDisclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice, investment advice, tax advice, or legal advice. The information provided is based on current regulations and best practices as of the publication date. Your individual financial situation is unique, and you should consult with a qualified financial advisor, tax professional, or legal counsel before making any financial decisions. Matthew Stelmaszek, ChFC®, MQFP®, and Stellar Wealth Management do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information presented, and are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for results obtained from the use of this information.