The Dirty Dozen represents the worst of the worst tax scams.
Compiled annually, the “Dirty Dozen” lists a variety of common scams that taxpayers may encounter anytime but many of these schemes peak during filing season as people prepare their returns or hire someone to help with their taxes. Don’t fall prey.
For a detailed description of each scam, please refer to the list below:
- Abusive tax shelters, trusts, conservation easements make IRS’ 2019 "Dirty Dozen" list of tax scams to avoid – See IR-2019-47
- Frivolous tax arguments remain on IRS’ "Dirty Dozen" scams list for 2019 – See IR-2019-45
- Failure to report offshore funds remains a crime; IRS includes topic on its 2019 "Dirty Dozen" scams list – See IR-2019-43
- Avoid improper claims for business credits; topic makes this year’s IRS “Dirty Dozen” list – See IR-2019-42
- IRS cautions taxpayers on scams involving disasters, charitable causes — 2019 "Dirty Dozen" list continues – See IR-2019-39
- IRS’ 2019 "Dirty Dozen" tax scams list highlights inflating deductions, credits – See IR-2019-36
- Schemes involving falsifying income, creating bogus documents make IRS’ "Dirty Dozen" list for 2019 – See IR-2019-35
- IRS: Be on the lookout for promises of inflated tax refunds — 2019 IRS "Dirty Dozen" list continues – See IR-2019-33
- IRS: Choose tax preparers carefully; Tax return preparer fraud makes IRS’ 2019 "Dirty Dozen" list of tax scams – See IR-2019-32
- Identity theft remains on IRS’ "Dirty Dozen" list despite progress – See IR-2019-30
- IRS: Be vigilant against phone scams; Annual "Dirty Dozen" list continues – See IR-2019-28
- IRS kicks off annual list of most prevalent tax scams: Agency warns taxpayers of pervasive phishing schemes in its "Dirty Dozen" campaign – See IR-2019-26
Prior year information on the IRS Dirty Dozen:
2018 – IRS Wraps up Dirty Dozen list of Tax Scams for 2018; Encourages taxpayers to remain vigilant
2017 – IRS Summarizes "Dirty Dozen" List of Tax Scams for 2017
2016 – IRS Wraps Up the "Dirty Dozen" List of Tax Scams for 2016
2015 – IRS Completes the "Dirty Dozen" Tax Scams for 2015
2014 – IRS Releases the "Dirty Dozen" Tax Scams for 2014