A first-of-its-kind GAO analysis estimates annual federal tax fraud losses at $116 billion to $304 billion. The report said that the IRS needs a coordinated antifraud strategy. The IRS partially agreed with the recommendations but disputed aspects of the report’s methodology.
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Identity Theft & Fraud
Identity theft victims waited 20 months for IRS case resolution
A TIGTA report found that IRS delays in resolving identity theft cases cost the government $124.2 million in refund interest from fiscal years 2023 through 2025. The findings echo warnings from National Taxpayer Advocate Erin Collins, who has called the wait times “unconscionable.”
Taxpayers can now access IRS compliance report online
A new IRS Individual Online Account feature lets taxpayers download a digitally authenticated compliance report for use when applying for jobs, loans, government benefits, and other services.
IRS warns crypto holders about fake compliance portal scam
The IRS said fraudsters are mailing letters that direct digital asset holders to a bogus “Digital Asset Compliance Portal” that mimics IRS.gov to collect personal information.
Representing taxpayers with IRS identity protection and theft victim assistance
Tax-related identity theft remains widespread and a potentially serious problem for victims, for whom authorized representatives can provide vital help.
Lessons from a CPA whose firm delivered a ‘textbook response’ to data breach
The owner of a CPA firm in Texas told attendees at an AICPA & CIMA ENGAGE 25 session on data security that the breach was one of the hardest things she had experienced in her career, yet she came out of it with clients still viewing her positively.
Phish, smish, and spear phish: IRS releases 2025’s Dirty Dozen
The annual list, which began in 2002, lists 12 ways scammers try to gain confidential information from tax professionals or trick taxpayers.
Fraudsters get $47 million from practitioner priority service line scheme
The losses occurred over an eight-month period ending in April, according to a report from the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
AICPA joins coalition to fight intensifying tax scams, schemes
The Coalition Against Scam and Scheme Threats (CASST), convened at the request of IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel, will work toward having new protections in place by the 2025 filing season.
‘Unconscionable’ delays in ID theft cases mar IRS tax season: report
In her midyear report to Congress, National Taxpayer Advocate Erin Collins writes that, as of April, the IRS was taking over 22 months to resolve cases in its identity theft victim assistance unit, which had about 500,000 unresolved cases.
IRS warns about more tax scams
The IRS said scams involving the fuel tax credit, the sick and family leave credit, and household employment taxes led thousands of taxpayers to file inflated refund claims.
Dirty Dozen list ends with easements, digital assets, and more
The IRS winds up its annual list of 12 scams and schemes by covering two broad categories: bogus tax-avoidance strategies and schemes with an international element.
Dirty Dozen list from IRS opens with phishing, smishing scams
The IRS opened its annual Dirty Dozen list with scams that trick recipients into clicking a suspicious link, filling out personal and financial information, or downloading malware onto their computer.
EFIN scam targets tax professionals
The IRS warns that the scammers want to gain access to data and identities so they can file fraudulent tax returns.
ERC abuse brings renewed push for regulation of paid tax preparers
AICPA and Treasury advocate for congressional action to help thwart the unscrupulous promoters that use the employee retention credit to make money by taking advantage of small businesses.
To combat fraud, IRS steps up ERC claim enforcement
Having made significant progress in the ongoing effort against fraudulent employee retention credit claims, IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel said the agency has entered a new phase of increasing scrutiny on dubious submissions while renewing consumer warnings against aggressive marketing.
Scams are surging in the summer, the IRS says
The IRS issued a warning for taxpayers to be wary of offers promising tax refunds or to “fix” tax problems, saying these emails or texts are part of a summer surge in tax scams.
Tax fraud and bankruptcy dischargeability
This article examines aspects of criminal and civil tax fraud and their consequences for discharge of tax debts in bankruptcy, including principles of collateral estoppel and res judicata.
Dirty Dozen: IRS scam list includes spear-phishing warning to tax pros
On its annual list, the IRS included a warning to tax pros and businesses to be cautious about opening emails and clicking on links that could result in identity theft.
Dirty (Half) Dozen: Watch for these red flags when choosing a tax preparer
The IRS reached the halfway point of its annual “Dirty Dozen” list of tax scams, advising that taxpayers be careful when choosing a preparer to handle their returns.
PRACTICE MANAGEMENT
2026 tax software survey
CPAs rate their return preparation software’s performance during this year’s tax season.
