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IRS releases ‘Dirty Dozen’ list of tax scams for 2026 filing season
Social Security Administration Commissioner Frank Bisignano joins ‘Mornings with Maria’ to discuss record-high tax refunds, new tax breaks for working families and seniors and the federal government’s crackdown on fraud and scams ahead of Tax Day.
The IRS released its “Dirty Dozen” tax scams for the 2026 filing season to warn taxpayers, businesses and tax professionals about the tactics used to commit identity theft and other forms of fraud.
IRS CEO Frank Bisignano said in a statement released earlier this month on “Slam the Scam Day” that the list and other efforts to raise awareness provide “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.”
“For more than two decades, the IRS has used the Dirty Dozen list to flag emerging scams that taxpayers should watch out for,” he added.
HOW TO AVOID TAX SCAMS THIS FILING SEASON
The IRS released its annual “Dirty Dozen” list of tax scams. (Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images / Getty Images)
This year’s edition of the IRS’ Dirty Dozen list of tax scams includes one notable change and the agency 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.
Here’s a look at the 12 key scams the IRS is warning taxpayers to be aware of.
1) IRS impersonation by email and text
Scammers and fraudsters will send emails, direct messages and text purporting to be from the IRS that often use alarming language and QR codes directing 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 agency reported over 600 social media impersonators during its fiscal year 2025. Clicking on such links may install malicious software, including ransomware, on a taxpayer’s personal device and could prevent access to files and personal information.
2) AI-enabled IRS impersonation by phone
Phone scams are evolving with the use of artificial intelligence (AI), using computer-generated tactics and spoofed caller IDs to appear legitimate.
The IRS reminds taxpayers that it will generally contact them by mail first and the agency doesn’t leave urgent, threatening prerecorded messages, call to demand immediate payment, or threaten arrest.
IRS CEO Frank Bisignano said taxpayers should be vigilant of scams. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)
3) Fake charities
Fraudsters frequently exploit tragedies and disasters by creating fake charities to collect donations as well as personal information. 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.
4) Misleading tax advice on social media
Viral posts about “tax hacks” can push taxpayers to file returns with false information or claim credits they don’t qualify for, which can lead to refund delays, audits, penalties, or worse.
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The IRS continues to warn that social media-driven misinformation and disinformation remain a major driver of tax scams. It also reminds taxpayers who knowingly file fraudulent tax returns that they could potentially face significant civil and criminal penalties.
5) Identity theft involving IRS Online Account access
Criminals may attempt to use stolen personal information to gain unauthorized access to a taxpayers’ IRS online account, or may pose as helpers to collect sensitive information to gain access while an account is being set up.
Taxpayers should create their own account directly through the IRS website and shouldn’t rely on unsolicited third parties. The IRS offers official guidance to help taxpayers establish and protect their accounts.
Several of the scams involve phishing and other tactics related to cybercrime. (Getty Images)
6) Abusive undistributed long-term capital gains claims
The IRS has identified an increase in the abuse of Form 2439, which allows shareholders of certain investment funds or real estate trusts to claim a refundable credit for taxes paid on undistributed capital gains.
Some of these schemes have involved claims tied to organizations that aren’t legitimate investment funds or real estate trusts, while the IRS has also seen fake claims that are falsely linked to real, well-known organizations.
7) Bogus “Self-Employment Tax Credit” promotion
Scammers may use misleading claims about a broad “self-employment tax credit” to encourage inaccurate filings and generate improper refunds. Many taxpayers don’t qualify for these credits and the IRS is closely reviewing claims coming in under this provision, so taxpayers filing such claims do so at their own risk.
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8) Ghost preparers
A ghost preparer prepares a tax return but refuses to sign it and/or refuses to include a Preparer Tax Identification Number. Such a refusal is a major red flag as it leaves the taxpayer legally responsible for what is filed, and the IRS urges taxpayers to avoid preparers who won’t sign the return and to seek reputable help.
9) Non-cash charitable contribution schemes
Some schemes involve inflated appraisals of donated property using art or syndicated conservation easements, with promoters often promising to eliminate or substantially reduce tax liability. The IRS warns taxpayers not to file returns with made-up information, and it may hold refunds while verifying claims.
Taxpayers should be cautious about purported outreach from the IRS and be aware that the agency generally reaches out by mail first and doesn’t make threatening calls or texts. (Michael Bocchieri/Getty Images)
10) Overstated withholding schemes
Scammers are encouraging taxpayers to inflate their withholding amounts (sometimes known as “other withholding”) to manufacture a larger refund by reporting zero or little income on incorrect forms.
There are multiple variations of the scheme using a range of different tax forms, and the IRS warns that it may delay processing returns while verifying wages and withholding, as inaccurate claims can lead to penalties and enforcement action.
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11) Spear-phishing and malware campaigns targeting tax professionals
Tax professionals and businesses are targets of “new client” and “document request” emails that deliver malicious links or attachments to gain access to systems and potentially steal client data.
Businesses and individuals, including tax pros, should always be cautious and on the lookout for suspicious requests or unusual behavior before sharing sensitive information or responding to an email.
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12) Aggressive or misleading offer in compromise marketing
The IRS’ Offer in Compromise program can help eligible taxpayers resolve tax debt when they’re unable to pay in full, but so-called “OIC mills” often overpromise results and charge high fees to taxpayers who don’t qualify.
The IRS tells taxpayers they should check their eligibility for the program using the agency’s free tools to avoid high-pressure sales tactics.
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A disclaimer in Jeffrey Epstein’s email signature was a provocation as much as a warning: The contents of this message “may constitute inside information.”
For Epstein, the line between social networking and securities law wasn’t just blurred, it was part of the way he conducted business. The Epstein files show how easily the sex offender collected confidential information from his well-connected associates.
Epstein received board minutes from Ehud Barak about a tech startup where the Israeli politician was chairman. JPMorgan Chase executive Jes Staley emailed details about an M&A deal that his bank was secretly working on. A key adviser to Bill Gates passed along information about biotech startups his billionaire boss was investing in.
Epstein sometimes used the tips cultivated from his network to invest for himself, whether his associates or the companies knew it or not, according to a Wall Street Journal review of the files. Other times there is no public record that Epstein acted on the information he amassed, some of which came his way as a wealthy individual with connections to billionaires, hedge funds and other investment firms.
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Operator
Good day, and thank you for standing by. Welcome to the Alvotech Q4 2025 and Full Year 2025 Earnings Conference Call. [Operator Instructions] Please be advised that today’s conference is being recorded.
I would now like to hand the conference over to your speaker today, Mikaela Vilchez. Please go ahead.
Mikaela Vilchez
Thank you, and welcome to our listeners. Yesterday evening, the company issued a press release announcing our financial results for the full year and fourth quarter of 2025. Material accompanying today’s earnings call was also published on our investor portal, investors.alvotech.com in the earnings calendar section.
Our press release, presentation and statements that we make on the call today may include forward-looking statements. These statements do not ensure future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties that are outlined in the company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements that are made.
Presenting on today’s call are Robert Wessman, Founder and Executive Chairman; Lisa Graver, Chief Executive Officer Designate; Joseph McClellan, Chief Operating Officer; Linda Jonsdottir, Chief Financial Officer. Also with us on the call is Balaji Prasad, Chief Strategy Officer.
Robert will begin today’s presentation with a summary of business highlights. Lisa will then present a commercial update. Joseph will discuss the status of our pending biologics license applications with the FDA and our R&D pipeline. Linda
The Peter Jones Foundation (PJF) has teamed up once again with advisory firm FRP to launch the 2026 National Entrepreneur of the Year competition, aiming to uncover and support the next generation of UK business talent.
The initiative, which returns following a successful 2025 programme, is designed to champion young entrepreneurs aged between 16 and 21, with a particular emphasis on those from under-served and under-represented communities. Organisers say the competition is not only about identifying promising ideas, but equipping young founders with the practical skills, confidence and networks needed to scale their ventures.
Applicants will be required to submit an application alongside an elevator pitch video outlining their business concept. Successful candidates will progress to one of six regional semi-finals hosted by FRP across the UK, where they will present their ideas to a panel of judges drawn from the business community.
In addition to the competitive element, participants will gain access to enterprise bootcamps delivered by PJF, providing hands-on support in refining business models, improving pitching techniques and developing commercial awareness, a key differentiator from more traditional pitch competitions.
Each semi-final winner will receive a £1,000 grant and secure a place in the national final, where finalists will pitch to a high-profile judging panel chaired by Peter Jones CBE alongside Geoff Rowley, chief executive of FRP. The overall winner will receive a £10,000 grant, with the runner-up awarded £5,000, while all finalists will benefit from ongoing mentorship and support.
The programme has built a strong track record of nurturing early-stage entrepreneurial talent. Previous participants include Ross Bailey, founder of Appear Here, which has gone on to raise more than $20 million in venture capital, and David Humpston of ViewPoint Videos, one of the youngest recipients of a Virgin StartUp loan. More recently, Miah Maddock-Hodgins, founder of MCR Education Hub, has used the platform to scale an inclusive education business supporting young people outside mainstream schooling.
Last year’s competition attracted hundreds of entrants from across the UK, with £21,000 in grants awarded. The 2025 title was won by Liam Harte for Rephobia, a virtual reality therapy platform designed to support individuals dealing with phobias, an example organisers say reflects the growing sophistication and social impact of youth-led businesses.
Peter Jones said he was looking forward to seeing the calibre of talent emerging from this year’s intake, noting the competition continues to highlight the ambition and creativity of young entrepreneurs across the country. Geoff Rowley added that the programme plays a critical role in helping young people “take their entrepreneurship up a level”, describing participants as the future innovators and job creators of the UK economy.
The relaunch comes at a time when fostering entrepreneurial talent is increasingly seen as central to long-term economic growth, particularly as younger generations look beyond traditional career paths and towards building their own ventures.
If you are an entrepreneur between the ages of 16 and 21 who is interested in applying for the competition, click HERE and submit your entry by Friday 15th May 2026.
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I have been working in the logistics sector for almost two decades. I have been into stock investing and macroeconomic analysis for almost a decade. Currently, I focus on ASEAN and NYSE/NASDAQ Stocks, particularly in banks, telco, logistics, and hotels. Since 2014, I have been trading on the PH stock market. I focus on banking, telco, and retail sectors. A colleague encouraged me to engage in the stock market as part of my portfolio diversification instead of putting all my savings in banks and properties. That was also the year when insurance companies became very popular in the PH. Initially, I invested in popular blue-chip companies. Now, I have investments across different industries and market cap sizes. There are stocks I hold for my retirement, while others are purely for trading profits. In 2020, I also entered the US Market. It was about a year after I discovered Seeking Alpha. Originally, I was using the trading account of NY CA-based cousin. Somehow, I acted like his personal broker. That made me more aware of the US market before deciding to open my own account. I decided to write for Seeking Alpha to share and gain more knowledge since I have been trading on the US market for only four years. Like in the ASEAN market, I have holdings in US banks, hotels, shipping, and logistics companies. I discovered it in 2018. Since then, I have been using the analyses here to compare them to the ones I’m doing in the PH Market.
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of PHI either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
TSA union leader George Borek joins ‘Varney & Co. to discuss challenges faced by unpaid TSA agents. He highlights a 37% callout rate in Atlanta, warning that the situation will worsen if DHS funding is unresolved.
A top TSA union leader warned Thursday that airport security risks linked to the ongoing government shutdown are set to “get worse,” pointing to a critical issue he says has largely gone unaddressed.
“TSA has been under a… hiring freeze since last year, so when you look at what we had in the fall, the 50 days that we had off of shutdown, we have people that left, that retired,” TSA union leader George Borek told “Varney & Co.“
“The acting director yesterday said we had 400 some odd agents that so far have signaled that they’re leaving,” he added.
“That number is going to grow exponentially.”
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Travelers and staff walk through Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Va., on Mar. 13, 2025. (Annabelle GORDON / AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)
Borek said the problem will only exacerbate as the agency struggles to replace those who left, noting the length of time it takes to get agents certified for checkpoints.
That struggle could be compounded as the busiest travel season of the year approaches and as an anticipated uptick in international flyers arrive in the U.S. for the FIFA World Cup this summer.
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People wait in long TSA lines as the partial government shutdown continues for several weeks at airports like Chicago O’Hare in Chicago on Mar. 9. (Peter Zay/Anadolu via Getty Images / Getty Images)
“The other part is – what happens once this is settled?” he asked.
“Are we going to continue having the resources that we need in order to do our jobs effectively?”
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TSA union leader George Borek joins ‘Varney & Co. to discuss challenges faced by unpaid TSA agents. He highlights a 37% callout rate in Atlanta, warning that the situation will worsen if DHS funding is unresolved.
TSA agents have gone unpaid since the onset of a partial government shutdown, forcing airports like Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta to find ways to mitigate the issues some agents are facing financially.
The dispute stems from a political standoff in Washington over funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which has created concerns of potential security loopholes as the government shutdown drags on with no end in sight.
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The logo of pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk is displayed in front of its offices in Bagsvaerd, Copenhagen, Denmark, Feb. 4, 2026.
Tom Little | Reuters
The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday approved a higher-dose version of Novo Nordisk‘s blockbuster weight loss injection Wegovy, as the company pushes to win back market share from chief rival Eli Lilly.
Novo expects to launch the higher, 7.2-milligram dose of Wegovy in April. The Danish drugmaker is positioning that version to better compete with Lilly’s obesity drug Zepbound, which has proven to be more effective at promoting weight loss than the standard, 2.4-milligram dose of Wegovy.
That higher efficacy has helped Zepbound become the preferred obesity medication among prescribers and patients, even though it entered the U.S. market later than Wegovy, and has solidified Lilly’s position as the dominant player in the space.
The high-dose Wegovy helped patients with obesity lose an average 20.7% of their weight after 72 weeks in a phase three trial. The standard dose of Wegovy has shown around 15% weight loss on average in clinical trials.
“I think it really makes it more competitive, and it really reduces the delta there,” Dr. Jason Brett, principal U.S. medical head at Novo Nordisk, said in an interview Thursday ahead of the approval.
“But even more importantly, I think it just gives patients another option if they’re not reaching their targets, and achieving some of these higher weight losses for certain patients,” he added.
In a separate phase three trial on patients with obesity and Type 2 diabetes, high-dose Wegovy demonstrated an average weight loss of 14.1%. People with diabetes typically have a harder time losing weight than people without the condition.
It marks the first approval of a GLP-1 treatment under the FDA’s new national priority voucher plan that aims to cut drug review times to one to two months for companies the agency says are supporting U.S. national health priorities. The FDA launched the pilot plan in June.
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