Compliance

Compliance Alert: Avoiding Scams & Mistakes Under the New One, Big, Beautiful Tax Law

With sweeping tax changes under the OBBB, compliance mistakes and fraud risk rise—learn how to protect yourself and stay fully compliant.

By NomadicTax Research Team • 5-8 min read • May 27, 2026

## Why Compliance Matters Even More Now The One, Big, Beautiful Bill introduces brand new credits, deductions, and tax obligations. That creates opportunities—but also opens the door for mistakes, bad advice, and even scams. IRS has issued strong warnings for taxpayers to guard against misleading preparers and false promises. ([irs.gov](https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-reminds-taxpayers-watch-out-for-preparers-promising-quick-cash-fast-refunds-under-new-one-big-beautiful-bill-tax-changes?utm_source=openai)) ## Key Compliance Categories and How to Avoid Missteps ### 1. Choosing a Trustworthy Tax Preparer - Verify their credentials: PTIN, enrolled agent status, CPA, licensed attorney. - Ask how they’ll compute deductions and credits; demand clarity if they make claims about “fast refunds” or “special loopholes.” - Get written fee agreements. Never let someone else funnel your refund into their account without clear disclosure. ([irs.gov](https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-reminds-taxpayers-watch-out-for-preparers-promising-quick-cash-fast-refunds-under-new-one-big-beautiful-bill-tax-changes?utm_source=openai)) ### 2. Properly Applying New Deductions & Credits - Use the IRS’s official lists and proposed regulations to confirm eligibility. For example, eligible occupations for tip deductions are still being finalized. ([irs.gov](https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/the-one-big-beautiful-bill-what-gig-economy-workers-should-know?utm_source=openai)) - Track when items were incurred or placed in service—especially for production property depreciation (effective date matters: after July 4, 2025). ([irs.gov](https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/treasury-irs-issue-guidance-on-special-depreciation-allowance-for-qualified-production-property-announce-upcoming-proposed-regulations-under-the-one-big-beautiful-bill?utm_source=openai)) - Ensure remittance tax rules are followed exactly: providers must collect looming taxes or risk liability. ([irs.gov](https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/treasury-irs-issue-proposed-regulations-on-the-new-remittance-transfer-tax-established-under-the-one-big-beautiful-bill?utm_source=openai)) ### 3. Meeting Deadlines and Filing Tax Relief in Disaster Areas - If you're in affected counties, know extended deadlines apply for filing returns, payments, and payroll/ excise deposits. E.g. Georgia wildfires area, Hawaii storms, NMI typhoon. ([irs.gov](https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-announces-tax-relief-for-taxpayers-impacted-by-super-typhoon-sinlaku-in-the-commonwealth-of-the-northern-mariana-islands-various-deadlines-postponed-to-nov-2-2026?utm_source=openai)) - Use automatic relief when applicable; otherwise, call IRS Special Services. Having the disaster declaration number helps. ([irs.gov](https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-announces-tax-relief-for-taxpayers-impacted-by-super-typhoon-sinlaku-in-the-commonwealth-of-the-northern-mariana-islands-various-deadlines-postponed-to-nov-2-2026?utm_source=openai)) ## Practical Compliance Workflow Tips - Maintain a **compliance checklist** with your income sources, deductions, credits, thresholds, dates, and required documentation. - Review IRS proposed regulations for changes that may affect your obligations—in particular, remittance transfer and production property. - Hold onto all physical records (receipts, contracts) for at least 3–4 years in case of audits or IRS queries. - If you receive notices or letters from the IRS—even about disallowed credits—follow instructions quickly and engage professional help if needed. ## Scenario: What Can Go Wrong? Imagine a food delivery driver, Alex, claims the full $25,000 tip deduction but fails to substantiate his tip income, or claims occupations not yet finalized by the IRS. Meanwhile, his employer uses a preparer who promises overnight refunds in exchange for a cut—red flags. If audited, Alex faces disallowed deductions, penalties, and possibly a trust fund recovery if employer misuses sets related to payroll or remittances. Being proactive—vetting advisors, maintaining records, following deadlines—turns tax law changes into tools instead of traps.