Newsletter from
Steve Richardson & Company, Certified Public Accountants
May 29, 2025
The “Dirty Dozen”
Client Newsletter – May 2025
The IRS’s “Dirty Dozen” List of Tax Scams – My Take
To Our Clients and Friends:
Every spring, the IRS releases its “Dirty Dozen” list—a lineup of the year’s most common tax scams. Some are new. Most are just the same old con games with a fresh coat of paint.
These scams are fueled by social media nonsense, shady promoters, and straight-up crooks. Some want your refund. Some want your identity. A few want both.
Knowing what’s out there is your best defense. What follows is a rundown of what the IRS is seeing—and what I’m seeing. I’ve added my own commentary and plain-language advice (as you’ve come to expect).
Let me get this out of the way:
The IRS will rarely—if ever—call you.
If someone claiming to be from the IRS calls your cell, your landline, or your cousin’s cousin’s number… hang up and call me.
- Phishing & Smishing – Don’t Take the Bait
If you get an email or text from the IRS, it’s fake. Period. The IRS doesn’t contact taxpayers that way. Ever.
Delete the message. Don’t click anything. Don’t reply. Forward it to phishing@irs.gov (email) or 7726 (SPAM) (text), then delete it.
- Tax Tips on Facebook or TikTok – Please Stop
Videos with dancing cats are fine for entertainment—not for tax advice.
The IRS is getting swamped with bogus refund claims pushed by TikTok and other social media. If it sounds too good to be true—it is. Especially online.
- Fake “Help” Setting Up an IRS Account
Scammers offer to “help” you create your IRS online account, then use your info to file a fraudulent return and steal your refund.
Set up your own account at irs.gov. It’s easy. If you need help, we’ll walk you through it.
- Fake Charities – Tug at the Heart, Steal from the Wallet
After disasters, scammers pop up posing as charities. They want your money—and your personal data.
Before you give, verify. Use the IRS site, Charity Navigator, GuideStar, or just call us. We’re happy to help you check.
- Fuel Tax Credit – For Tractors and Bulldozers, Not You
This credit is for off-road fuel use—think farmers and construction equipment.
It’s not for regular folks. We’ve seen it abused, and yes—it gets flagged in audits.
- Family Leave & Sick Leave Credits – Expired in 2021
These credits were for self-employed folks during the pandemic. They don’t apply to W-2 employees, and they don’t apply anymore.
If someone tells you otherwise, they’re either confused or dishonest. Call us.
- The “Self-Employment Tax Credit” – Doesn’t Exist
This one is pure fiction. If someone promises you a $32,000 refund because you’re self-employed or a gig worker, walk away.
It’s a made-up credit, often based on a twisted version of the expired COVID credits.
- Fake Household Employees – Don’t Get Cute
Some taxpayers are inventing “household employees” to claim refundable credits.
Let me be clear: this is fraud. Don’t do it. Not worth the risk.
- Overstated Withholding – Make-Believe W-2s
This one involves making up big income and withholding on fake W-2s to get a refund.
The IRS is watching this one closely. If they can’t verify your info, your refund is frozen and you’re in hot water.
- Ghost Preparers – If They Won’t Sign, You Shouldn’t Either
If your preparer won’t sign your return or won’t give you their PTIN, run.
Also, if they charge based on the size of your refund, that’s a red flag. You’re legally on the hook for what’s filed—choose wisely.
- Offer in Compromise Mills – Selling False Hope
Yes, you can settle with the IRS. But real Offers in Compromise are for people in serious financial distress—not everyone.
Some companies charge thousands to “help” when you don’t even qualify. Use the IRS’s free tool first—or call us before you call them.
- Bottom Line – If It Feels Wrong, Call Me
You’re responsible for what’s on your tax return. If you follow bad advice—even in good faith—you could still be on the hook.
When in doubt, don’t click, don’t call back, and don’t reply. Call me instead.
IRS scams are a billion-dollar industry. But with a little caution and a healthy dose of skepticism, you can stay out of their sights.
We’re here to help you stay safe, compliant, and out of trouble.
Sincerely,
Steve Richardson
Certified Public Accountant
stever@srcocpa.com