Tax Scams to Watch in 2025
Each year, the IRS releases a list of the most common and dangerous tax scams. These schemes target individuals, business owners, and tax professionals alike, often aiming to steal personal information or trick taxpayers into filing fraudulent returns.
In 2025, new variations of familiar scams have emerged. Here’s a comprehensive look at what to watch out for this season:
🔐 Top Tax Scams for 2025
1. Phishing & Spearphishing
Fake emails and texts pretending to be from the IRS or state tax agencies are used to trick you into giving up personal and financial information. Spearphishing is even more dangerous—it’s a tailored attack targeting a specific individual or business.
Protect Yourself: The IRS never initiates contact by email, text, or social media. If you receive one of these, don’t click any links—go directly to IRS.gov.
2. Bogus Tax Advice on Social Media
The IRS has seen a rise in fake tax strategies circulating on social media platforms. These often encourage people to submit false returns to claim credits or refunds they aren’t eligible for.
Watch for Red Flags: If someone online promises a “secret” tax credit or says “everyone qualifies for this refund,” it’s likely a scam.
3. Fake Self-Employment Tax Credit
One trending scam claims there’s a new “self-employment tax credit.” This is false. The real credit being misused in these scams relates to sick or family leave credits, which apply only in very limited circumstances.
Reminder: Always check eligibility with a trusted tax professional before claiming any credit.
4. IRS Online Account Help Scams
Some scammers offer to help you “set up” your IRS.gov account—only to steal your personal information in the process.
Solution: Only create or access your IRS account directly through www.irs.gov.
5. Fake Charities
Scammers use crises to create fake charity donation sites. Always verify an organization’s legitimacy through trusted sources like Charity Navigator or GuideStar.
6. Threatening Phone Calls
You may receive a call claiming you owe taxes and must pay immediately, often with threats of arrest. This is never how the IRS operates.
The IRS always contacts taxpayers by mail first and never demands payment via phone, gift card, or wire transfer.
7. Social Media Scams
Scammers post malicious links that, once clicked, allow them to access your email, social accounts, or mobile device.
8. Refund or EIP Theft
Criminals with stolen information (such as your Social Security number) may try to file a fake return in your name. Filing early and keeping personal data secure helps prevent this.
9. Senior Scams
Older adults are often targeted by phishing calls and messages. Seniors may also be pressured into scams by people posing as IRS agents or “tax advisors.”
10. Scams Targeting Non-English Speakers
Scammers often prey on non-English speakers with fake letters or phone calls in their native language, threatening arrest or deportation unless taxes are paid immediately.
11. Unscrupulous Tax Preparers
Not all tax preparers are reputable. Some may promise big refunds by inflating deductions or credits illegally. You are legally responsible for everything on your tax return, even if someone else prepares it.
12. Fake Payment & Repayment Scams
This twist involves a criminal depositing a fraudulent refund into your bank account, then posing as the IRS and demanding repayment, often via gift card or wire transfer.
13. Payroll & HR Scams
Scammers pose as HR reps or payroll providers to trick employees or businesses into revealing W-2 information, direct deposit data, or tax forms.
14. Ransomware Attacks
Cybercriminals install malware on your devices to track keystrokes or lock your files until a ransom is paid.
Tip: Keep security software updated and back up important files regularly.
⚠️ What You Can Do
- File early to reduce the window for fraudulent returns.
- Use strong passwords and secure Wi-Fi connections when filing online.
- Never share personal or tax information over the phone, email, or social media.
- Work only with trusted, credentialed tax professionals.
- Create your IRS account yourself at IRS.gov to track your information securely.
🛡️ If you think you’ve been targeted by a scam, report it to the IRS at irs.gov/phishing or contact TIGTA (Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration).
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