Quick red flags
- • Urgent threats, pressure, or “act now” language
- • Links, QR codes, or attachments you weren’t expecting
- • Demands for payment by gift card, crypto, or wire
- • Requests for passwords, verification codes, or full SSNs
Mountain Bookkeeping & Tax Solutions is sharing these highlights so you can spot red flags early and protect your money, your identity, and your peace of mind. If anything in this list sounds familiar, we can help you review notices, verify what’s legitimate, and respond safely.
1. Fake IRS emails, texts, and QR codes
Scammers are sending emails, texts, DMs, and QR codes that look like they’re from the IRS, often with urgent language about refunds, account “verification,” or threats of penalties. Clicking these links can send you to fake websites or install malware (including ransomware) on your phone or computer.
How we can help
If you receive a message claiming to be from the IRS, send it to Ginny before you click anything or respond. We can help you confirm whether it’s legitimate and guide you on reporting phishing attempts.
2. AI-powered IRS phone scams
Phone scams are getting more sophisticated, with AI-generated voices, spoofed caller ID, and robocalls that sound convincing. The IRS generally contacts taxpayers by mail first and does not call to demand immediate payment, threaten arrest, or leave aggressive prerecorded messages.
How we can help
If you get a “tax emergency” phone call, hang up and call Ginny or log into your IRS Online Account directly from IRS.gov. We can help you match any call against your real account history before you pay a dime.
3. Fake charities after disasters
Fraudsters set up fake charities—often after natural disasters or major tragedies—to steal donations and personal information. Only donations to IRS-recognized tax-exempt organizations are deductible when you itemize.
How we can help
Before you donate, Ginny can help you verify that an organization is a qualified charity and correctly track your contributions so you don’t lose a legitimate deduction.
4. “Tax hack” advice on social media
Viral “tax hacks” on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook encourage people to claim credits or deductions they don’t qualify for, or file returns with false information. Following this kind of advice can delay your refund, trigger an audit, and lead to penalties or even criminal consequences.
How we can help
Instead of following strangers online, run any “hack” by Ginny. We’ll explain what actually applies to your situation and prepare your return accurately and defensibly.
5. Identity theft through IRS Online Accounts
Criminals are trying to access taxpayers’ IRS Online Accounts using stolen personal information or by posing as “helpers” to set them up for you. Once inside, they can see sensitive data or redirect your refund.
How we can help
Ginny can walk you through setting up your IRS Online Account safely—on your own device, using official IRS links only—and help monitor for unusual notices or activity tied to your account.
6. Abusive claims involving Form 2439 and long-term capital gains
The IRS is seeing an uptick in bogus claims tied to Form 2439 (Notice to Shareholder of Undistributed Long-Term Capital Gains). Some schemes involve overstated or completely fabricated credits linked to fake or misused investment funds and real estate trusts, which can lead to delayed refunds, audits, and enforcement action.
How we can help
If someone promises a “huge refund” using special capital gains credits you’ve never heard of, talk to Ginny first. We can review any proposed strategy, confirm if you truly qualify, and help you avoid abusive promotions.
7. Bogus “Self-Employment Tax Credit” promotions
Promoters are pushing a broad “self-employment tax credit” and encouraging taxpayers to file inaccurate returns to generate improper refunds. Many people simply do not qualify, and the IRS is closely reviewing these claims.
How we can help
As a small-business and self-employed specialist, Ginny can sort out which credits you actually qualify for and file your return correctly the first time, minimizing your audit risk.
8. “Ghost” tax preparers
A “ghost preparer” prepares your return but refuses to sign it or include their Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). That’s a major red flag. You, not the ghost preparer, are legally responsible for everything that gets filed—even if it’s wrong.
How we can help
Ginny signs the returns she prepares and uses a valid PTIN, so you always know who did the work. We will never ask you to sign a blank return and we’ll walk you through the numbers so you understand what’s being filed.
9. Inflated non-cash charitable contributions
Some schemes inflate the value of donated property—often through syndicated conservation easements or art—to promise huge tax write-offs. The IRS warns that it can hold refunds while it verifies questionable claims and may pursue enforcement when values are made up or exaggerated.
How we can help
Before you claim a large non-cash donation, Ginny can help you understand the documentation and appraisal requirements and make sure you’re reporting fair values.
10. Overstated wage withholding schemes
Promoters are encouraging taxpayers to inflate “other withholding” or report incorrect wage and withholding data on forms like W-2 and various 1099s to generate large refunds. The IRS matches withholding claims against employer and third-party records and may delay processing, assess penalties, and take enforcement action when numbers don’t match.
How we can help
Ginny reconciles your W-2s, 1099s, and other documents carefully against your return, so your withholding and income match IRS records and your refund isn’t derailed by inaccurate claims.
11. Spear-phishing and malware targeting tax pros and businesses
Scammers send “new client” or “document request” emails to tax professionals and businesses with malicious links or attachments designed to steal client data or take over systems. Red flags include unexpected requests for sensitive information, unfamiliar email addresses, urgent payment demands, or links that don’t clearly originate from IRS.gov.
How we can help
Ginny follows strong security practices to protect your data and will never email you out-of-the-blue asking for passwords or full Social Security numbers. If you receive a suspicious message that appears to reference your tax work, forward it to her for review.
12. Misleading Offer in Compromise (“OIC mill”) ads
The IRS Offer in Compromise program can genuinely help taxpayers who can’t pay their full tax debt, but aggressive “OIC mills” overpromise results and charge high fees to people who don’t qualify. The IRS offers free tools so you can check basic eligibility yourself.
How we can help
If you’re behind on taxes, Ginny can help you evaluate whether options like an installment agreement or Offer in Compromise are realistic for you, before you sign any high-pressure contracts or pay big upfront fees.
What to do if you get a suspicious call, email, or text
According to the IRS, you should avoid clicking unexpected links or opening attachments, hang up on suspicious IRS-related calls, and report phishing attempts directly to [email protected] using the official instructions on IRS.gov.
If you think your tax identity has been compromised, the IRS directs you to IRS.gov/idtheft for next steps, and suspected tax fraud or abusive schemes can be reported through IRS.gov/SubmitATip.
Work with a trusted local bookkeeping & tax pro
Scammers are getting smarter every year, but you don’t have to sort this out alone. Working with a trusted professional like Mountain Bookkeeping & Tax Solutions gives you a year-round partner who knows your books, understands IRS rules, and can spot red flags before they become expensive problems.
Contact Mountain BookkeepingEducational information only; tax rules vary by situation.