The Internal Revenue Service has issued its annual “Dirty Dozen” tax scams list, reminding taxpayers to use caution during tax season to protect themselves against a wide range of schemes ranging from identity theft to return preparer fraud.

The Dirty Dozen listing, compiled by the IRS each year, lists a variety of common scams taxpayers can encounter at any point during the year. But many of these schemes peak during filing season as people prepare their tax returns.

Illegal scams can lead to significant penalties and interest and possible criminal prosecution. The IRS Criminal Investigation Division works closely with the Department of Justice to shut down scams and prosecute the criminals behind them.

The following is the Dirty Dozen tax scams for 2012:

Identity Theft

Phishing

Return Preparer Fraud

Hiding Income Offshore

“Free Money” from the IRS & Tax Scams Involving Social Security

False/Inflated Income and Expenses

False Form 1099 Refund Claims

Frivolous Arguments

Falsely Claiming Zero Wages

Abuse of Charitable Organizations and Deductions

Disguised Corporate Ownership

Misuse of Trusts

For more details on the complete list, see IRS Releases the Dirty Dozen Tax Scams for 2012

Links:

Special Identity Theft page

Phishing Scams

Tips for Choosing a Tax Return Preparer

YouTube Videos:

The Dirty Dozen English | Spanish | ASL