The IRS has issued its annual list of the 12 top scams directed at consumers.

Compiled annually, the “Dirty Dozen” lists a variety of common scams that taxpayers may encounter any time, but which tend to peak during filing season as people prepare their returns or hire someone to help with their taxes. 

Illegal scams can lead to significant penalties and interest and possible criminal prosecution. IRS Criminal Investigation works closely with the Department of Justice (DOJ) to shutdown scams and prosecute the criminals behind them. 

The list for 2015 includes: 

• Identity Theft
• IRS Agent Impersonation Scam
• Email Phishing Scam: "Update your IRS e-file"
• Inflated Refund Claims
• Fake Charities
• Hiding Money or Income Offshore
• Tax Preparer Fraud
• False Promises of “Free Money” from Inflated Refunds
• Frivolous Arguments
• Falsely Claiming Zero Wages or Using False Form 1099
• Abusive Tax Structures
• Misuse of Trusts 

This year, an expanded set of details for each of the dozen will be issued separately, and Taxing Subjects will present this information from the IRS in our effort to provide the best and most complete information available on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Source:  IRS.gov