Tax Consultants of North Georgia LLC

03/05/2026

DIRTY DOZEN TAX SCAMS FOR 2026: IRS reminds taxpayers to watch out for dangerous threats

Annual list highlights evolving schemes; agency spotlights National Slam the Scam Day

IR-2026-30, March 5, 2026

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced its annual Dirty Dozen list of tax scams for 2026 that threaten the tax and financial information of taxpayers, businesses, and tax professionals.

The Dirty Dozen is part of a broader campaign conducted through the Security Summit, a partnership among the IRS, state tax agencies, and the nation’s tax industry, and reinforced by outreach efforts tied to National Slam the Scam Day on March 5. These initiatives educate taxpayers about identity theft schemes and other forms of fraud, particularly during filing season.

“Today, Slam the Scam Day, provides a great opportunity to remind everyone to remain vigilant and watch out for scams because thieves continuously adjust the pitches they use to take advantage of honest taxpayers,” said IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano. “For more than two decades, the IRS has used the Dirty Dozen list to flag emerging scams that taxpayers should watch out for.”

A notable change to this year’s list is the addition of abusive undistributed long-term capital gains claims as item #6, replacing prior fuel tax credit concerns, as the IRS sees an increase in overstated or fabricated claims tied to Form 2439, Notice to Shareholder of Undistributed Long-Term Capital Gains. The IRS advises all taxpayers to remain cautious year-round, as criminals will always be on the lookout for new ways to obtain money, personal identifiable information, and data.

The 2026 Dirty Dozen: 12 key scams to watch for

IRS impersonation by email and text (phishing + smishing). Scammers send emails, direct messages (DMs), and texts that appear to be from the IRS, often using alarming language and QR codes that direct taxpayers to fake IRS websites to “verify” accounts, enter personal information, or claim refunds. The IRS urges taxpayers not to click links or open attachments from unexpected messages and to report suspicious IRS-related emails, DMs, and texts. The IRS reported over 600 social media impersonators during fiscal year 2025.
As a reminder, never click any unsolicited communication claiming to be from the IRS, as it may install malware surreptitiously. These links may install malicious software, including ransomware, on a taxpayer’s personal device, potentially preventing access to their files or personal information.

AI-enabled IRS impersonation by phone (robocalls, voice mimicry, spoofed caller ID). Phone scams continue to evolve, including calls that use computer-generated tactics and spoofed caller ID to appear legitimate. The IRS reminds taxpayers that it generally contacts taxpayers by mail first and does not leave urgent, threatening prerecorded messages, call to demand immediate payment, or threaten arrest. Taxpayers should not rely on AI-generated responses to complex tax questions, and they should verify any calculations or information provided by artificial intelligence.
Fake charities. Fraudsters often exploit tragedies and disasters by creating fake charities to collect donations and personal information. The IRS is committed to preventing fraudulent nonprofits from taking advantage of the American taxpayer.
Taxpayers who give money or goods to a charity may be able to claim a deduction on their federal tax return if they itemize deductions, but charitable donations only count if they go to a qualified tax-exempt organization recognized by the IRS.

Misleading tax advice on social media. Viral “tax hacks” can push taxpayers to file returns with false information or claim credits they don’t qualify for, leading to refund delays, audits, penalties, or worse. The IRS continues to warn that social media-driven misinformation and disinformation remain a major driver of tax scams.
The IRS and the Coalition Against Scam and Scheme Threats warn taxpayers not to fall for these scams, and urge them to follow trusted advice from the IRS, tax professionals, and other reputable sources. The IRS reminds taxpayers who knowingly file fraudulent tax returns that they could potentially face significant civil and criminal penalties.

Identity theft involving IRS Online Account access. Criminals may attempt to use stolen personal information to gain unauthorized access to a taxpayer’s IRS online account or may pose as helpers to collect sensitive information during account setup. Taxpayers should create their account directly through IRS.gov and should not rely on unsolicited third parties offering assistance. The IRS provides official guidance to help taxpayers securely establish and protect their accounts.
Abusive undistributed long-term capital gains claims. The IRS identified an increase in the abuse of Form 2439. This form allows shareholders of certain investment funds or real estate trusts to claim a refundable credit for taxes paid on undistributed capital gains. Identified schemes involve overstated or fabricated Form 2439 claims, including claims tied to organizations that are not legitimate investment funds or real estate trusts. The IRS has also seen fake claims falsely linked to real, well-known organizations. Improper claims may result in refund delays, audits, penalties, or enforcement action.
Bogus “Self-Employment Tax Credit” promotion. Scammers use misleading claims about a broad “self-employment tax credit” to encourage inaccurate filings and generate improper refunds. The IRS reminds taxpayers to rely on trusted sources and qualified tax professionals, not social media promotions, when determining eligibility for credits.
Many taxpayers do not qualify for these credits, and the IRS is closely reviewing claims coming in under this provision, so taxpayers filing claims do so at their own risk.

Ghost preparers. A “ghost” preparer prepares a return but refuses to sign it and/or refuses to include a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). When a preparer refuses to sign or provide a PTIN, that is a major red flag; the taxpayer is legally responsible for what is filed. The IRS urges taxpayers to avoid preparers who will not sign the return and to choose reputable help. Taxpayers should never sign a blank or incomplete return. Instead, the IRS reminds taxpayers to use a trusted tax professional for help.
Non-cash charitable contribution schemes. Some schemes involve inflated appraisals of donated property using syndicated conservation easements or art. Promoters often promise to eliminate or substantially reduce tax liability. The IRS warns taxpayers not to file returns with made-up information and reminds taxpayers that it can hold refunds while verifying claims.
Overstated withholding schemes (fabricated wage/withholding data). Scammers encourage taxpayers to inflate withholding amounts (sometimes described as “other withholding”) to manufacture a larger refund by reporting zero or little income on incorrect forms. The IRS may delay processing while it verifies wages and withholding against third-party records. Inaccurate claims can lead to penalties and enforcement action.
There are multiple variations of the overstated withholding credit scheme, including those involving Forms W-2 and W-2G; Forms 1099-R, 1099-NEC, 1099-DIV, 1099-OID, and 1099-B, as well as the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend, Schedule K-1 with Withholding Reported, and Unspecified Source of Withholding Credit Claimed.

Spear-phishing and malware campaigns targeting tax professionals. Tax professionals and businesses remain targets of “new client” or “document request” emails that deliver malicious links or attachments to steal client data or access systems. The IRS and the Security Summit urge preparers to remain vigilant and to strengthen their security practices.
Businesses and individuals, including tax pros, should always be cautious and look out for any suspicious requests or unusual behavior before sharing any sensitive information or responding to an email. Warning signs may include unexpected requests for sensitive information, mismatched or unfamiliar sender addresses, urgent payment demands, or links directing users to websites that do not clearly originate from IRS.gov. Be aware that by gaining access to a hacked email account, scammers can locate a genuine email from a previous victim's email account sent to their tax professional.

Aggressive or misleading Offer in Compromise marketing (“OIC mills”). The Offer in Compromise program can help certain eligible taxpayers resolve tax debt when they are unable to pay in full, but “OIC mills” often overpromise results and charge high fees to taxpayers who don’t qualify. Taxpayers can check eligibility using free IRS tools to avoid high-pressure sales tactics.
How to protect yourself and what to do if you get a suspicious message or call

Don’t click unexpected links or open unexpected attachments.
If you get a suspicious IRS-related call, hang up. The IRS provides guidance on what to do next, including how to report scams.
To report suspected IRS-related phishing emails or messages, send them to [email protected] and follow IRS reporting instructions.
If you think your tax identity has been compromised, visit IRS.gov/idtheft for steps to protect your account and recover.
Report abusive tax schemes and suspicious activity

The IRS encourages taxpayers, tax professionals, and the public to report suspected tax fraud, scams, identity theft, or other tax-related wrongdoing by visiting IRS.gov/SubmitATip.

The new online tool allows individuals to confidentially submit information using a smartphone, tablet, or computer. It consolidates IRS fraud-reporting options into one location and routes tips to the appropriate IRS office.

Prompt reporting helps protect taxpayers and quickly stop abusive activity.

Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) frequently asked questions.

01/28/2026

Jan. 26, 2026
IRS e-file is open!!!!
Come see us

07/15/2025

IRS IS PUTTING OUT SOME INFORMATION ABOUT THE NEW BILL:

One Big Beautiful Bill Act: Tax deductions for working Americans and seniors

FS-2025-03, July 14, 2025

Below are descriptions of new provisions from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law on July 4, 2025, as Public Law 119-21, that go into effect for 2025.

“No Tax on Tips”

New deduction: Effective for 2025 through 2028, employees and self-employed individuals may deduct qualified tips received in occupations that are listed by the IRS as customarily and regularly receiving tips on or before December 31, 2024, and that are reported on a Form W-2, Form 1099, or other specified statement furnished to the individual or reported directly by the individual on Form 4137.
“Qualified tips” are voluntary cash or charged tips received from customers or through tip sharing.
Maximum annual deduction is $25,000; for self-employed, deduction may not exceed individual’s net income (without regard to this deduction) from the trade or business in which the tips were earned.
Deduction phases out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income over $150,000 ($300,000 for joint filers).
Taxpayer eligibility: Deduction is available for both itemizing and non-itemizing taxpayers.
Self-employed individuals in a Specified Service Trade or Business (SSTB) under section 199A are not eligible. Employees whose employer is in an SSTB also are not eligible.
Taxpayers must:
include their Social Security Number on the return and
file jointly if married, to claim the deduction.
Reporting: Employers and other payors must file information returns with the IRS (or SSA) and furnish statements to taxpayers showing certain cash tips received and the occupation of the tip recipient.
Guidance: By October 2, 2025, the IRS must publish a list of occupations that “customarily and regularly” received tips on or before December 31, 2024.
The IRS will provide transition relief for tax year 2025 for taxpayers claiming the deduction and for employers and payors subject to the new reporting requirements.
“No Tax on Overtime”

New deduction: Effective for 2025 through 2028, individuals who receive qualified overtime compensation may deduct the pay that exceeds their regular rate of pay – such as the “half” portion of “time-and-a-half” compensation -- that is required by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and that is reported on a
Form W-2, Form 1099, or other specified statement furnished to the individual.

Maximum annual deduction is $12,500 ($25,000 for joint filers).
Deduction phases out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income over $150,000 ($300,000 for joint filers).
Taxpayer eligibility: Deduction is available for both itemizing and non-itemizing taxpayers.
Taxpayers must:
include their Social Security Number on the return and
file jointly if married, to claim the deduction.
Reporting: Employers and other payors are required to file information returns with the IRS (or SSA) and furnish statements to taxpayers showing the total amount of qualified overtime compensation paid during the year.
Guidance: The IRS will provide transition relief for tax year 2025 for taxpayers claiming the deduction and for employers and other payors subject to the new reporting requirements.
“No Tax on Car Loan Interest”

New deduction: Effective for 2025 through 2028, individuals may deduct interest paid on a loan used to purchase a qualified vehicle, provided the vehicle is purchased for personal use and meets other eligibility criteria. (Lease payments do not qualify.)
Maximum annual deduction is $10,000.
Deduction phases out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income over $100,000 ($200,000 for joint filers).
Qualified interest: To qualify for the deduction, the interest must be paid on a loan that is:
originated after December 31, 2024,
used to purchase a vehicle, the original use of which starts with the taxpayer (used vehicles do not qualify),
for a personal use vehicle (not for business or commercial use) and
secured by a lien on the vehicle.
If a qualifying vehicle loan is later refinanced, interest paid on the refinanced amount is generally eligible for the deduction.

Qualified vehicle: A qualified vehicle is a car, minivan, van, SUV, pick-up truck or motorcycle, with a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 14,000 pounds, and that has undergone final assembly in the United States.
Taxpayer eligibility: Deduction is available for both itemizing and non-itemizing taxpayers.
The taxpayer must include the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the qualified vehicle on the tax return for any year in which the deduction is claimed.
Reporting: Lenders or other recipients of qualified interest must file information returns with the IRS and furnish statements to taxpayers showing the total amount of interest received during the taxable year.
Guidance: The IRS will provide transition relief for tax year 2025 for interest recipients subject to the new reporting requirements.
Deduction for Seniors

New deduction: Effective for 2025 through 2028, individuals who are age 65 and older may claim an additional deduction of $6,000. This new deduction is in addition to the current additional standard deduction for seniors under existing law.
The $6,000 senior deduction is per eligible individual (i.e., $12,000 total for a married couple where both spouses qualify).
Deduction phases out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income over $75,000 ($150,000 for joint filers).
Qualifying taxpayers: To qualify for the additional deduction, a taxpayer must attain age 65 on or before the last day of the taxable year.
Taxpayer eligibility: Deduction is available for both itemizing and non-itemizing taxpayers.
Taxpayers must:
include the Social Security Number of the qualifying individual(s) on the return, and
file jointly if married, to claim the deduction.

06/19/2025

Great News

With an almost unanimous vote, the Georgia Senate passed a bill to help the state’s armed forces and reserve service members with their tax bills.

06/19/2025

With an almost unanimous vote, the Georgia Senate passed a bill to help the state’s armed forces and reserve service members with their tax bills.

04/11/2025

🇺🇸 US - Good news for taxpayers in Alabama and 6 other states! Due to Hurricane Helene, the IRS has extended the tax filing deadline to May 1, 2025. This includes both individual and business returns.
Learn what you need to know about this important tax relief and how it affects your filing: https://tax.news/al-irs-tax-relief-hurricane-helene/

04/04/2025

IRS reminder: Disaster victims in nine states have automatic extensions to file and pay their 2024 taxes

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminds individuals and businesses in areas covered by 2024 disaster declarations that their 2024 federal income tax returns and tax payments for tax year 2024 are due on Thursday, May 1, 2025. Taxpayers in three additional states face fall deadlines.

The IRS normally provides relief, including postponing various tax filing and payment deadlines for any area designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). If a taxpayer’s address of record is in a disaster area locality, individual and business taxpayers automatically get the extra time, without having to ask for it.

The current list of eligible localities is always available on the Tax Relief in Disaster Situations page on IRS.gov.

What areas qualify for the May 1, 2025, deadline?

The May 1, 2025, deadline applies to taxpayers affected by FEMA disaster declarations issued during 2024. These include:

Taxpayers in the entire states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina
Alaska – The City and Borough of Juneau
New Mexico – Chaves County
Tennessee – Carter, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi and Washington counties
Virginia – Albemarle, Appomattox, Bedford, Bland and Botetourt counties; Bristol City; Buchanan, Buckingham, Carroll and Charlotte counties; Covington City; Craig County; Danville City; Dickenson and Floyd counties; Galax City; Giles, Grayson, Greene, Lee, Madison, Montgomery and Nelson counties; Norton City; Patrick, Pittsylvania and Pulaski counties; Radford City; Roanoke City; Roanoke, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise and Wythe counties

01/27/2025

IRS: Take care when choosing a tax return professional
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers that carefully choosing a tax professional to prepare a tax return is vital to ensuring that their personal and financial information is safe and secure and treated with care.

Most tax return preparers provide honest, high-quality service. But some may cause harm through fraud, identity theft and other scams.

It is important for taxpayers to understand who they’re choosing and what important questions to ask when hiring an individual or firm to prepare their tax return.

Another reason to choose a tax preparer carefully is because taxpayers are ultimately legally responsible for all the information on their income tax return, regardless of who prepares it.

The IRS has put together a Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications to help individuals find a tax pro that meets high standards. There is also a special page on IRS.gov for Choosing a Tax Professional that can help guide taxpayers in making a good choice, including selecting someone affiliated with a recognized national tax association. There are different kinds of tax professionals, and a taxpayer’s needs will help determine which kind of preparer is best for them.

Red flags to watch out for
There are warning signs that can help steer taxpayers away from unscrupulous tax return preparers. For instance, not signing a tax return is a red flag that a paid preparer is likely not to be trusted. They may be looking to make a quick profit by promising a big refund or charging fees based on the size of the refund.

These unscrupulous “ghost” preparers often print the return and have the taxpayer sign and mail it to the IRS. For electronically filed returns, a ghost preparer will prepare the tax return but refuse to digitally sign it as the paid preparer. Taxpayers should avoid this type of unethical preparer.

In addition, taxpayers should always choose a tax professional with a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number. By law, anyone who is paid to prepare or assists in preparing federal tax returns must have a valid PTIN. Paid preparers must sign and include their PTIN on any tax return they prepare.

Other tips
Here are a few other tips to consider when choosing a tax return preparer:

Look for a preparer who’s available year-round. If questions come up about a tax return, taxpayers may need to contact the preparer after the filing season is over.
Review the preparer’s history. Check the Better Business Bureau website for information about the preparer. Look for disciplinary actions and the license status for credentialed preparers. For CPAs, check the State Board of Accountancy’s website, and for attorneys check with the State Bar Association. For enrolled agents go to IRS.gov and search for “verify enrolled agent status” or check the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers.
Ask about service fees. Taxpayers should avoid tax return preparers who base their fees on a percentage of the refund or who offer to deposit all or part of the refund into their own financial accounts. Be wary of tax return preparers who claim they can get larger refunds than their competitors.
Find an authorized IRS e-file provider. They are qualified to prepare, transmit and process e-filed returns. The IRS issues most refunds in fewer than 21 days for taxpayers who file electronically and choose direct deposit.
Provide records and receipts. Good preparers ask to see these documents. They’ll also ask questions to determine the client’s total income, deductions, tax credits and other items. Do not hire a preparer who e-files a tax return using a pay stub instead of a Form W-2. This is against IRS e-file rules.
Understand the preparer’s credentials and qualifications. Attorneys, CPAs and enrolled agents can represent any client before the IRS in any situation. Annual Filing Season Program participants may represent taxpayers in limited situations if they prepared and signed the tax return.
Never sign a blank or incomplete return. Taxpayers are responsible for filing a complete and correct tax return.
Review the tax return before signing it. Be sure to ask questions if something is not clear or appears inaccurate. Any refund should go directly to the taxpayer – not into the preparer’s bank account. Review the routing and bank account number on the completed return and make sure it’s accurate.

01/27/2025

IRS E-File opens today.
Come see us or give us a call 706-276-6829

10/29/2024

IRS hires new Associate Chief Counsel to focus on partnerships and other passthrough entities

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced the selection of the first Associate Chief Counsel for the newly created Passthroughs, Trusts and Estates office that will focus exclusively on partnerships, S corporations, trusts and estates. Staffing for this office will be drawn from the current Passthroughs and Special Industries office. The new Associate Chief Counsel, Jeffrey Erickson, is expected to join the IRS in January 2025. Most recently, he served as a Principal in Ernst & Young’s National Tax Passthroughs Transaction Group.

Holly Porter will be the Associate Chief Counsel for the Energy, Credits, and Excise Tax office, which also will be drawn from the current Passthroughs and Special Industries office.

“We are excited that Jeff will be returning to the IRS to lead Chief Counsel’s work in this priority area,” said IRS Chief Counsel Margie Rollinson. “He will bring an extensive background in tax law that encompasses over 30 years of experience in both the federal government and the private sector.”

As the Associate Chief Counsel for Passthroughs, Trusts and Estates, Erickson will coordinate and direct the activities of the office and oversee legal advisory services that support the uniform interpretation, application, enforcement and litigation of tax laws involving partnerships, S corporations, trusts and estates.

Erickson began his tax career in 1991 as an Attorney Advisor at the IRS’s Office of Chief Counsel in Passthroughs and Special Industries and left the IRS in 1999 as an Assistant Branch Chief. Additionally, Erickson has served as an Adjunct Professor at the Georgetown University Law Center, where he co-taught Taxation of Partnerships for LL.M. and J.D. students and has authored articles for inclusion in tax publications.

10/23/2024

IRS reminder to disaster area taxpayers with extensions: Parts of 8 states need to file 2023 returns by Nov. 1; others have until Feb. 3 or May 1

WASHINGTON — Now that the Oct. 15 extension deadline has come and gone, the Internal Revenue Service today reminded disaster-area taxpayers who received disaster extensions to file their 2023 returns that, depending upon their location, their returns are due on Nov. 1, 2024, Feb. 3, 2025, or May 1, 2025.

Currently:

Taxpayers in parts of Arkansas, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and West Virginia have until Nov. 1, 2024, to file their 2023 returns.
Taxpayers in the entire states of Louisiana and Vermont, all of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands and parts of Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas and Washington state have until Feb. 3, 2025, to file their 2023 returns.
Taxpayers in the entire states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina, and parts of Tennessee and Virginia will have until May 1, 2025, to file their 2023 returns. For these taxpayers, May 1 will also be the deadline for filing their 2024 returns and paying any tax due.
Eligible taxpayers are individuals and businesses affected by various disasters that occurred during the late spring, summer and early fall of this year. For extension filers, payments on the 2023 tax year returns are not eligible for the additional time because they were originally due last spring before any of these disasters occurred.

The IRS normally provides relief, including postponing various tax filing and payment deadlines, for any area designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). As long as their address of record is in a disaster-area locality, individual and business taxpayers automatically get the extra time, without having to ask for it. The current list of eligible localities is always available on the disaster relief page on IRS.gov.