The IRS Dirty Dozen list for 2024 has exposed the most common tax scams that are targeting taxpayers, providing essential advice to help them avoid falling victim to deceitful schemes. The primary scams highlighted this year include phishing and smishing scams, fraudulent charities, intimidating impersonator phone calls, social media scams, dishonest tax return preparers, and promoting fraudulent tax credits. To protect against these scams, taxpayers are advised to be cautious of unsolicited emails or text messages, confirm the authenticity of charities before donating, and consult professional tax advice rather than relying on misleading information online.
Another scam to watch out for is targeting non-English speakers and the elderly, with additional threats and misleading information designed to exploit vulnerable individuals. Community support is crucial in providing information and resources in various languages to assist these members. Other scams include ‘ghost’ tax preparers who fail to sign tax returns, unauthorized online account assistance, improper use of trusts, abusive tax shelters, and baseless tax arguments. Taxpayers are urged to be vigilant, confirm information through official IRS channels, protect personal information, and seek advice from reputable tax professionals to avoid falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.
It is important to be aware of the tactics used by scammers and report any dubious activities to the IRS or the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. By staying informed and taking proactive measures to protect personal information and seek reliable advice, taxpayers can reduce their risk of falling victim to tax scams. The IRS Dirty Dozen list serves as a valuable resource to educate taxpayers on common scams and provide guidance on how to safeguard themselves against fraudulent schemes. It is essential to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting against tax scams to avoid falling victim to deceitful tactics aimed at exploiting taxpayers.
