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.

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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.

An 80-year-old family-owned furniture company — which says it is the largest furniture manufacturer in the world — is cutting hundreds of jobs while restructuring a Texas plant.

Earlier this month, Ashley Furniture filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) with the Texas Workforce Commission, indicating that 266 employees will be laid off by May 7, as the company plans to “consolidate” its Mesquite facility.

“Ashley is consolidating manufacturing operations at its Mesquite, Texas facility with production at other Ashley manufacturing locations. Manufacturing operations at the Mesquite facility will conclude May 7, 2026,” Ashley told Fox News Digital in a statement.

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“Affected employees are being offered opportunities for available positions at other Ashley facilities, including roles in the Mesquite Distribution Center,” the spokesperson continued.

American-based furniture factory workers upholster a couch on Nov. 12, 2021. (Logan Cyrus/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

The formal WARN notice, initially obtained by Texas news outlet Chron, indicated that 109 upholstery training workers, 31 machine operators, 24 packing employees and additional cuts to inspectors, quality supervisors and material handlers would take place.

The state of Texas requires companies with more than 100 employees to provide at least a 60-day notice of closures or layoffs to “offer protection to workers, their families and communities,” according to the WARN Act website.

“This decision reflects Ashley’s ongoing efforts to optimize its manufacturing footprint, vertically integrate its facilities and strengthen long-term operational efficiency,” the statement said. “It reinforces our commitment to delivering high-quality products and exceptional service to customers worldwide, while continuing to adapt, grow and operate more efficiently in a dynamic and ever-changing industry.”

In October, the U.S. implemented a 10% tariff on softwood lumber and a 25% duty on certain imported furniture, which remain in effect, according to a White House proclamation. While the Trump administration has said the measures are intended to protect domestic industries and national security, higher costs are pressuring furniture makers that rely on global supply chains. 

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The home furnishing sector has also taken a hit as fewer Americans are moving, with mortgage rates hovering around 6% and pending home sales down 5.8% year over year, according to February data from the National Association of Realtors.

Ashley’s move follows broader industry changes, including store closures by companies such as IKEA and layoffs across the auto parts and logistics sectors, potentially signaling a wider recalibration of U.S. manufacturing in 2026.

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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the U.S. government will not intervene in oil futures markets even as the administration moves to offset supply disruptions tied to the Iran conflict, arguing that Washington’s response will focus on boosting physical crude availability instead.

“We’re absolutely not doing that,” Bessent told FOX Business’ “Mornings With Maria” on Thursday, when asked about possible Treasury intervention in the futures market. “We’re not intervening in the financial markets. We are supplying the physical markets.”

In an interview with Maria Bartiromo, Bessent said the administration has prepared a coordinated supply response designed to cushion the impact of any temporary disruption around the Strait of Hormuz. He said the U.S. had already moved to “unsanction” Russian oil cargoes already on the water, estimated at about 130 million barrels, and could do the same with roughly 140 million barrels of Iranian oil in floating storage.

“In essence, by the time we unsanctioned the floating Iranian oil, we would have intervened and we would have created about 260 million excess barrels of energy,” Bessent said, calling that a “physical intervention” rather than a financial one.

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Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent said the key to keeping oil prices in America down is to boost the oil supply for the rest of the world. (Nathan Posner/Anadolu via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Bessent said that volume could help cover what he described as a temporary deficit of 10 million to 14 million barrels per day if shipping through the strait is interrupted, providing roughly three weeks of market stabilization. He also pointed to a 400 million-barrel coordinated Strategic Petroleum Reserve release approved last week and said the U.S. could act again unilaterally if needed.

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“The largest coordinated SPR release in history, 400 million barrels, was approved last week,” he said. “The U.S. could unilaterally do another SPR release to keep the price down.”

About 20% of the world’s oil supply crosses the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Iran. The Iranian Regime is threatening to attack any vessels that cross the strait without permission. (Fox News / Fox News)

Bessent framed the strategy as part of a broader effort to balance pressure on Iran with energy market stability. He said the U.S. has avoided striking Iranian energy infrastructure even while escalating military operations, arguing the goal is to preserve supply while keeping pressure on Tehran.

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“We have lots of levers,” Bessent said. “We’ve got plenty more that we can do.”

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Supplying the world more oil from Iran is going to ultimately bring down prices in America, according to Bessent, who noted the U.S. does not rely on Middle East oil but the chokepoint on oil through the Strait of Hormuz has indirectly strained supply and spooked crude futures markets.

With the 2026 lineup freshly announced featuring headliners like Charli XCX, Lorde, Jennie and The Smashing Pumpkins, demand for Lollapalooza Chicago tickets is surging. The festival’s one-hour exclusive presale window for the lowest-priced four-day passes opens Thursday, March 19, at 10 a.m. CT, and organizers warn that these Tier 1 deals vanish quickly as thousands of fans compete for limited inventory.

Lollapalooza returns to Grant Park July 30 through Aug. 2, 2026, promising four days of music across eight stages with more than 170 acts. But snagging tickets at face value — especially the cheapest tiers — requires precise preparation during the brief presale period before the public on-sale at 11 a.m. CT, when prices automatically increase and higher tiers activate.

Festival officials emphasize that the first hour of presale guarantees the lowest four-day ticket prices available all year. General admission four-day passes start at $399 in Tier 1, with GA+ at $735, VIP at $1,599, Platinum at higher levels and ultra-premium Lolla Insider packages reaching $29,000. Single-day tickets are not yet on sale but are expected later, often at steeper prices.

To access the presale, fans must register in advance on the official site. Visit lollapalooza.com/signup and enter an email address or phone number for notifications. Registered users receive a direct link or access code via email or text shortly before or at the 10 a.m. CT start time. Without registration, buyers miss the window entirely and face higher costs or sold-out options.

Veteran attendees and ticketing experts offer these key strategies to maximize chances during the critical one-hour period:

Prepare your account early. Create or log into a Front Gate Tickets profile — the official ticketing platform at lollapalooza.frontgatetickets.com — well ahead of time. Add payment information, shipping details (for wristbands) and any promo codes if applicable. Double-check that your browser is updated and cookies are enabled to avoid login glitches.

Use multiple devices and connections. Open the presale page on a computer, phone and tablet simultaneously. A stable, high-speed internet connection is essential; switch to wired Ethernet if possible or use mobile hotspot as backup. Avoid public Wi-Fi, which can be slow or drop during peak traffic.

Log in 10-15 minutes before 10 a.m. CT. The site often experiences heavy load right at open. Being pre-logged reduces wait times in virtual queues. Refresh the page strategically — too aggressively can trigger anti-bot measures.

Act fast on ticket selection. Once in, select four-day GA or desired tier immediately. Quantity limits apply (typically four per order), so decide in advance. Add to cart quickly, then proceed to checkout without hesitation. Layaway options start at $19 down for GA and $49 for GA+, allowing payment plans without losing the low price.

Monitor official channels. Follow @lollapalooza on X, Instagram and Facebook for real-time updates. The festival posts countdowns and reminders. Join Reddit’s r/Lollapalooza community for live threads where users share queue positions and tips as the window unfolds.

If the lowest tier sells out mid-presale, higher tiers remain available until 11 a.m. CT, when the general public joins and dynamic pricing kicks in. Past years show four-day passes often last into public sale but at increased rates, sometimes jumping $50-$100 per tier.

For those who miss the presale, alternatives exist. Verified resale platforms like StubHub, Vivid Seats, SeatGeek and Ticketmaster’s resale marketplace offer tickets with buyer guarantees against fakes or invalid entry. Prices fluctuate with demand — four-day passes currently hover around $612 and up on secondary sites, while single days start near $316. Avoid unverified sellers on social media or forums to prevent scams.

Festival organizers urge buying only through official channels or trusted partners. Wristbands ship months ahead and include RFID tech for entry; lost or damaged ones can be replaced at will-call with proof.

Demand drivers include the stacked lineup and Chicago’s summer appeal. Headliners span pop, hip-hop, rock and electronic genres, drawing international crowds. Grant Park’s lakefront setting adds to the allure, but capacity remains finite.

Experts note that presale success often hinges on speed and readiness rather than luck. “The one-hour window is designed to reward prepared fans with the best deals,” a Lollapalooza representative said. “Once it’s over, prices rise progressively as tiers deplete.”

Single-day tickets, when released, typically follow similar patterns but sell faster due to targeted artist interest. Fans eyeing specific headliners should monitor for one-day announcements.

As March 19 approaches, registration remains open at lollapalooza.com. Organizers advise acting now to secure access. With tickets historically selling out or escalating rapidly, preparation during this brief presale offers the clearest path to attending Lollapalooza 2026 at the lowest cost.

For the latest, check lollapalooza.com/tickets or the support hub at support.lollapalooza.com. Whether aiming for GA entry or VIP perks, the key is readiness when the clock hits 10 a.m. CT.

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