Ep 95 ~ 4 of the IRS's Dirty Dozen Tax Schemes

Key Highlights:




Introduction to IRS Dirty Dozen (00:00:21): Michelle
introduces the IRS Dirty Dozen tax scams for 2025, which are
prevalent threats that individuals need to be cautious about.




Email Phishing Scams (00:00:57): Learn about the constant
issue of email phishing scams where scammers send fake IRS
emails to trick individuals into clicking malicious links.
Remember, the IRS never contacts taxpayers via email, phone,
or text.




Smishing (00:01:40): Understand smishing, a scam where text
messages use alarming language to trick recipients into
clicking on a bogus link with false claims.




Bad Social Media Advice (00:03:26): Michelle discusses the
danger of taking tax advice from social media, emphasizing
the need to verify tax advice with authoritative sources.




Fake Charities (00:05:09): Be aware of bogus charities,
especially in times of crisis or natural disasters. Michelle
provides tips on how to verify the legitimacy of charitable
organizations.




Ghost Tax Return Preparers (00:08:02): Discover the tactics
of deceptive tax return preparers who offer poor service and
charge based on refund size. Michelle stresses the importance
of using trusted tax professionals and knowing the warning
signs of fraudulent preparers.




Conclusion:


Michelle wraps up the episode emphasizing the importance of
staying informed about these scams to avoid becoming a statistic.
It's not just about avoiding scams but also about ensuring that
your church community remains financially vigilant.


Resources:


For more trusted resources and guidance, visit Michelle’s website
at churchfinances.org/resources.


Inspirational Closing:


"Let's all strive to make an impact and not just an income. And
remember to always look your best, do your best and be your
best."


Thank you for tuning in, and stay safe and informed. Until next
time!