Each year, the Internal Revenue Service identifies a “Dirty Dozen” list comprised of a variety of common tax scams that a taxpayer may encounter. Although a taxpayer may encounter the schemes described by the IRS at any time, the IRS notes that the schemes peak during the tax filing season as individuals prepare their tax returns or hire a third party to assist them in filing their returns.

Below is the 2017 Dirty Dozen Tax Scams list provided by the IRS:

1. Frivolous Tax Arguments
2. Abusive Tax Shelters
3. Falsifying Income Scam
4. Falsely Padding Deductions
5. Excessive Claims for Business Credits
6. Falsely Inflating Refund Claims
7. Fake Charities
8. Return Preparer Fraud
9. Identity Theft
10. Phone Scams
11. Phishing Schemes
12. Offshore Tax Avoidance

It is important for all taxpayers to be aware these common tax scams so as to avoid them. Don't fall prey!  Butterfield Schechter LLP is San Diego County's largest firm focusing its law practice on employee benefit services, tax law, and business counseling. If you believe you might be an unknowing victim of one of the above-referenced tax scams, contact our office today and we will assist in diagnosing any potential problem and coming up with a viable solution.