Every year, The IRS releases its list of the top 12 tax scams and schemes. These scams – known annually as the Dirty Dozen – are illegal and can lead to problems for taxpayers who risk significant penalties, interest and possible criminal prosecution. Here are five scams from the 2009 Dirty Dozen list every taxpayers should be aware of this summer.
1. Phishing Phishing scams often take the form of an e-mail that appears to come from a legitimate source, including the IRS, that contain enticements for the recipient such as additional money back on their previous year’s tax return. Regardless of how official this e-mail may look and sound, the IRS never initiates unsolicited e-mail contact with taxpayers about their tax issues. The Internet-based scam artists use the personal information obtained through these e-mails and Web sites to steal the victim’s identity, access bank accounts, run up credit card charges or apply for loans in the victim’s name. If you receive an e-mail that you suspect is a phishing attempt or directs you to an imitation IRS Web site, please report them to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov. You can also visit the IRS Web site at IRS.gov and enter the keyword phishing for additional information.
2. Abuse of Charitable Organizations and Deductions The IRS continues to observe the misuse of tax-exempt organizations. This includes arrangements to improperly shield income or assets from taxation and attempts by donors to maintain control over donated assets. The IRS also continues to investigate various schemes where donations are highly overvalued or the organization receiving the donation promises that the donor can purchase the items back at a later date at a price the donor sets.
3. Abusive Retirement Plans The IRS continues to uncover abuses in retirement plan arrangements, including Roth Individual Retirement Arrangements. Taxpayers should be wary of advisers who encourage them to shift appreciated assets into IRAs or companies owned by their IRAs at less than fair market value to circumvent annual contribution limits.
4. Hiding Income Offshore Taxpayers have tried to avoid or evade U.S. income tax by hiding income in offshore banks and brokerage accounts. Recently, the IRS provided guidance to auditors on how to deal with those hiding income offshore in undisclosed accounts. Taxpayers also evade taxes by using offshore debit cards, credit cards, wire transfers, foreign trusts, employee-leasing schemes, private annuities or life insurance plans.
5. Misuse of Trusts While there are many legitimate, valid uses of trusts in tax and estate planning, some promoted transactions promise reduction of income subject to tax, deductions for personal expenses and reduced estate or gift taxes. Such trusts rarely deliver the promised tax benefits and are being used primarily as a means to avoid income tax liability and hide assets from creditors, including the IRS.
For more the full list of 2009 Dirty Dozen tax scams or to find out how to report suspected tax fraud, visit IRS.gov.