Scammers aren’t slowing down—and they’re getting better at imitating trusted sources with polished emails, texts, ads, and “services.” Each year the IRS releases a “Dirty Dozen” list to spotlight the most common and costly schemes targeting taxpayers and business owners. This guide explains what’s on the radar in 2025, the warning signs to watch for, and the practical steps you can take right now. You’ll learn how to evaluate suspicious messages, avoid “too good to be true” refund promises, and use business accounting services to add security and oversight to your workflow. If you’re asking, “Would the IRS really contact me like this?” or “Is this credit legit?”, read on.
TL;DR
- Common scam patterns you’ll likely encounter
- Plain-English Dirty Dozen overview
- Protection checklist for businesses & families
- How Key2’s business accounting services help
Common Scam Patterns You’ll Likely Encounter
- AI-styled phishing that mimics the IRS, tax software, or a preparer.
- Social media ads promising huge refunds or fast “help.”
- Preparers who won’t sign returns (ghost preparers).
- Aggressive relief offers (e.g., Offer in Compromise “guarantees”).
- Calls or texts demanding immediate payment via unusual methods.
Rule of thumb: The IRS does not initiate contact by text or email with links. Type IRS.gov directly into your browser.
The Dirty Dozen—Plain-English Overview
- AI-generated phishing (email/text “portals”).
- “Refund help” ads filing questionable or fake returns.
- Offer-in-Compromise mills that overpromise outcomes.
- Fake charities requesting gift cards/crypto.
- ERC mills pushing ineligible claims.
- Spear-phishing tax pros to access client data.
- Unvetted TikTok/YouTube advice that triggers audits.
- Ghost preparers (no signature/PTIN).
- Fake IRS phone threats about jail or asset seizure.
- Inflated deductions/credits without documentation.
- SSN/identity theft to file before you do.
- False fuel tax credit (limited to off-highway use).
Protection Checklist for Businesses & Families
- Don’t click links in supposed IRS messages—go to IRS.gov.
- File early and consider an IP PIN to reduce e-file fraud.
- Use MFA for tax, banking, payroll, and document portals.
- Document eligibility for credits/deductions before filing.
- Verify charities via the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search.
- Require signatures: your preparer must sign and include a PTIN.
- Train staff & family on spotting phishing and urgency tactics.
These practices pair well with disciplined business accounting services that centralize controls, standardize approvals, and keep audit-ready documentation aligned with small business accounting needs.
How Key2 Accounting Helps You Stay Secure
Key2 Accounting partners with clients across Fort Collins, Hawaii, and nationwide to strengthen back-office processes and reduce risk. Our business accounting services integrate:
- Bookkeeping with clear support for deductions and credits.
- Tax Preparation workflows that verify eligibility and retain documentation.
- Payroll controls that protect PII and limit phishing exposure.
- CPA oversight for compliance questions and red-flag reviews.
By consolidating business accounting services with a dedicated CPA team, you reduce exposure to fraud, maintain consistent records, and streamline decision-making—key pillars of effective small business accounting.
Ready to Tighten Your Defenses?
You don’t need scare tactics—you need clarity and a reliable process. With structured business accounting services, informed CPA guidance, and consistent documentation, your team can stay compliant, reduce risk, and focus on growth. If something feels off, pause and verify before clicking, paying, or sharing information—and loop us in early.
Schedule a Security-First Tax Prep Review. We’ll evaluate your current safeguards and align them with our business accounting services for a safer 2025 filing season.
