Overview
- This year's list highlights AI‑driven phone impersonation using voice mimicry, robocalls and spoofed caller ID, plus phishing messages that deploy QR codes to fake sites.
- The IRS reports rising abusive refund schemes, including fabricated Form 2439 credits, inflated withholding and a misrepresented self‑employment tax credit.
- Tax professionals face spear‑phishing and malware through “new client” and fake document‑request emails designed to steal data and access systems.
- The agency cautions against ghost preparers and inflated non‑cash donation deductions, noting taxpayers remain responsible for what is filed.
- Officials urge people to avoid unsolicited links, hang up on suspicious calls, forward phishing to phishing@irs.gov, use IRS.gov/idtheft for recovery, and submit tips at IRS.gov/SubmitATip before the April 15 deadline.