IRS Issues Warning Against Tax Fraud Schemes, Potential Criminal Charges for Violators

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued a strong warning to taxpayers and tax preparers alike: engaging in fraudulent tax schemes or relying on dishonest tax practices could lead to criminal charges, hefty fines, and possible jail time. With tax season in full swing, the agency is stepping up enforcement against tax fraud, including abusive tax shelters, fraudulent tax preparers, and phishing scams.

IRS Cracks Down on Tax Fraud

According to IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel, the agency has significantly increased efforts to combat tax fraud this year, particularly targeting individuals and businesses involved in abusive trust arrangements and fraudulent tax return filings.

Recent IRS Fraud Cases

Several high-profile tax fraud cases have recently surfaced, underscoring the IRS’s tough stance:

• Colorado Dentist Indicted for Trust Tax Fraud
  • In September 2024, Ryan Ulibarri, a dentist from Colorado, was indicted for using an abusive trust scheme to evade over $1 million in taxes. He allegedly funneled millions through fraudulent trusts and charities to conceal taxable income.
• New York Tax Preparer Faces $145M Fraud Charges
  • Rafael Alvarez, a well-known tax preparer from New York, pleaded guilty in December 2024 for filing thousands of fraudulent tax returns, causing over $145 million in tax losses. His firm fabricated deductions and credits to illegally boost client refunds. (The Guardian)
• Texas Investment Adviser Charged in Tax Scheme
  • In January 2025, investment adviser Brooklynn Chandler Willy was indicted on multiple fraud charges linked to misleading clients about tax benefits while orchestrating a multi-million-dollar scheme.

Common Tax Scams and IRS Warnings

Each year, the IRS publishes its “Dirty Dozen” list, highlighting the most notorious tax scams targeting individuals and businesses. This year’s list includes:

1. Abusive Tax Shelters

Some taxpayers and financial advisers promote complex tax shelters designed to hide income and evade taxes. These illegal strategies often involve foreign accounts or improper use of trusts.

2. Fraudulent Tax Preparers

Ghost preparers—those who prepare tax returns but don’t sign them—are a major issue. Some inflate deductions or falsify income to obtain higher refunds, leaving taxpayers liable for fraud. The IRS urges taxpayers to verify preparers’ credentials before filing.

3. Phishing Scams and Fake IRS Communications

The IRS warns against scammers impersonating government officials via email, text, or phone calls to steal personal financial data. The agency never contacts taxpayers through these channels for sensitive information.

4. Falsely Inflated Refunds

Some fraudulent preparers promise inflated refunds by entering fake deductions or credits. The IRS encourages taxpayers to review their returns carefully before submission.

5. Employment Tax Scams

Businesses attempting to avoid payroll taxes by misclassifying employees as independent contractors could face serious penalties. The IRS has launched audits targeting this practice.

Consequences of Engaging in Tax Fraud

The IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) division is actively investigating cases involving tax evasion and fraud. The consequences for those found guilty can include:

• Felony Charges – Tax fraud is a federal crime, punishable by up to five years in prison per count.
• Heavy Financial Penalties – Convicted individuals often face fines ranging from thousands to millions of dollars.
• Civil Tax Audits and Interest Charges – Even if not charged criminally, fraudulent filings result in penalties, back taxes, and accruing interest.

How to Avoid IRS Issues

To stay compliant and avoid tax fraud, the IRS advises:

• Use a Reputable Tax Preparer – Always verify the credentials of a tax professional. Look for a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) and ask about their qualifications.
• Double-Check Tax Returns – Always review your tax return before submission to ensure no fraudulent claims have been added without your knowledge.
• Report Suspicious Tax Activity – If you suspect tax fraud, report it to the IRS via Form 3949-A or their whistleblower program.
• Beware of IRS Impersonators – The IRS never initiates contact through phone calls, emails, or texts asking for personal information.

Conclusion

With tax season underway, the IRS is taking an aggressive stance against fraud, urging all taxpayers to remain cautious. Engaging in abusive tax schemes or using dishonest tax preparers could result in criminal charges and severe financial consequences. To stay safe, ensure compliance with tax laws, verify tax professionals, and report any suspicious activities to the IRS.

For the latest tax-related warnings, visit the IRS website: www.irs.gov

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