IRS releases 'Dirty Dozen' list of worst tax scams

Annual list compiles common tax scams that peak during filing season

The Internal Revenue Service has released its annual "Dirty Dozen" list of the worst tax scams. 

The list compiles a variety of common scams that taxpayers may encounter anytime, but many of the schemes peak during filing season as people prepare their returns or hire someone to help with their taxes. 

Recommended Videos



The IRS will update its website regularly with the 2017 list of Dirty Dozen Tax Scams: 

  • IRS “Dirty Dozen” Series of Tax Scams for 2017 Includes Return Preparer Fraud; Choose Reputable Return Preparers -- The IRS Monday warned taxpayers to be on the lookout for unscrupulous return preparers, one of the most common “Dirty Dozen” tax scams seen during tax season. 
  • Identity Theft Remains on “Dirty Dozen” List of Tax Scams; IRS, States, Tax Industry Urge People to be Vigilant Against Criminals -- The IRS Monday issued a filing season alert, warning taxpayers and tax professionals to watch out for identity theft at tax time, and highlighted the crime as a recurring scam in the agency’s “Dirty Dozen” series. 
  • Phone Scams a Serious Threat; Remain on the IRS “Dirty Dozen” List of Tax Scams for 2017 -- Aggressive and threatening phone calls by criminals impersonating IRS agents remain a major threat to taxpayers, remain on the annual "Dirty Dozen" list of tax scams for the 2017 filing season, the Internal Revenue Service announced Monday.
  • Phishing Schemes Lead the IRS “Dirty Dozen” List of Tax Scams for 2017; Remain Tax-Time Threat -- The Internal Revenue Service warned taxpayers to watch out for fake emails or websites looking to steal personal information. These “phishing” schemes continue to be on the annual IRS list of “Dirty Dozen” tax scams for the 2017 filing season.