Tax Return Preparer Fraud Ranks High on 2018 IRS Dirty Dozen List

With more than half of the nation’s taxpayers relying on someone else to prepare their tax return, the IRS is reminded consumers to be on the lookout for unscrupulous tax preparers looking to make a fast buck from honest people seeking tax assistance.

Again this year, the IRS included tax return preparer fraud on its “Dirty Dozen” watch list of common tax scams. The agency wants taxpayers to be on the lookout for unscrupulous return preparers and help protect their sensitive financial and tax data.

To help their clients fend off any fraud and security schemes, tax professionals are encouraged to share this year’s list with their clients:

1. Phishing
2. Phone scams
3. Identity theft
4. Return preparer fraud
5. Fake charities
6. Inflated refund claims
7. Excessive claims for business credits
8. Falsely padding deductions on returns
9. Falsifying income to claim credits
10. Abusive tax shelters
11. Frivolous tax arguments
12. Offshore tax avoidance

More information on each of the Dirty Dozen can be found at the IRS Website and this short video:

Continue to check in regularly to the Intuit® ProConnect™ Tax Pro Center for updates on fraud and security.