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.

On 6/28/21 the Internal Revenue Service, via IR 2021-135, began its “Dirty Dozen” list for 2021 with a warning for taxpayers, tax professionals and financial institutions to be on the lookout for these 12 nefarious schemes and scams.

This year’s “Dirty Dozen” will be separated into four separate categories:

• Pandemic-related scams like Economic Impact Payment theft (See Blog Post 1049)

• Personal information cons including phishing, ransomware and phone “vishing” (See Blog Post 1050)

• Ruses focusing on unsuspecting victims like fake charities and senior/immigrant fraud (See Blog Post 1051)

• Schemes that persuade taxpayers into unscrupulous actions such as Offer In Compromise mills and syndicated conservation easements (See Blog Post 1052)
  

The agency compiled the list into these categories based on who perpetuates the schemes and who they impact.

The IRS urges all taxpayers to be on guard, especially during the pandemic, not only for themselves, but also for other people in their lives.

“We continue to see scam artists use the pandemic to steal money and information from honest taxpayers in a time of crisis,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. “We provide this list to alert taxpayers about common scams that fraudsters use against their victims. At the IRS, we are dedicated to stopping these criminals, but it’s up to all of us to remain vigilant to protect ourselves and our families.”

Taxpayers should be alert to these scams during tax filing season and throughout the year.

(This is Blog Post 1048)