The Dirty Dozen – Top Concerns For 2017

With the tax filing season now open, the IRS has listed its top 12 tax scams and warned U.S. taxpayers that participation in these prohibited activities could result in civil and criminal tax exposure.

In addition to false refund claims, once again, Abusive Tax Shelters and Offshore Tax Avoidance made the list. Below is a copy from the text of the release:

Abusive Tax Shelters: Don't use abusive tax structures to avoid paying taxes. The IRS is committed to stopping complex tax avoidance schemes and the people who create and sell them. The vast majority of taxpayers pay their fair share, and everyone should be on the lookout for people peddling tax shelters that sound too good to be true. When in doubt, taxpayers should seek an independent opinion regarding complex products they are offered. (IR-2017-31)