Identity Theft Tops the List for 2014 Tax Scams | Blogs | Internet, IT & e-Discovery Blog

Each year IRS compiles a list of the “Dirty Dozen” “tax scams, reminding taxpayers to use caution during tax season to protect themselves against a wide range of schemes.” IRS Commissioner John Koskinen added these comments:

Taxpayers should be on the lookout for tax scams using the IRS name…These schemes jump every year at tax time. Scams can be sophisticated and take many different forms. We urge people to protect themselves and use caution when viewing e-mails, receiving telephone calls or getting advice on tax issues.

Here are the “Dirty Dozen” Tax Scams for 2014:

Identity Theft
Pervasive Telephone Scams
Phishing
False Promises of “Free Money” from Inflated Refunds
Return Preparer Fraud
Hiding Income Offshore
Impersonation of Charitable Organizations
False Income, Expenses or Exemptions
Frivolous Arguments
Falsely Claiming Zero Wages or Using False Form 1099
Abusive Tax Structures
Misuse of Trusts

Consumers should be wary of these cyber threats all the time, and not just of tax season.

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