Compliance
Staying Compliant in 2026: Fraud Warnings, IRS Scams & Choosing a Trusted Preparer
With new tax law changes under the OBBB, scammers are seizing opportunities—know the signs, follow the rules, and pick your preparer wisely to avoid traps.
By NomadicTax Research Team • 5-8 min read • June 21, 2026
## Why Compliance Tools Are Changing Now
The One, Big, Beautiful Bill brought new deductions and credits: **no tax on tips**, **no tax on overtime**, **no tax on car loan interest**, and enhanced deductions for seniors. These changes change what’s on returns and what taxpayers expect—and unfortunately, what scammers are trying to exploit. ([irs.gov](https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/one-big-beautiful-bill-provisions-individuals-and-workers?utm_source=openai))
## The “Dirty Dozen” Scams List for 2026
Every year, the IRS highlights major scams common during tax season. In 2026, added threats include:
- **AI-enabled IRS impersonations** using voice cloning or spoofed caller ID
- Overstated withholding or fake deductions
- Misleading tax advice, especially around new OBBB provisions like tips, overtime, or senior deductions. ([irs.gov](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-access/p5084_accessible.pdf?utm_source=openai))
## Red Flags & How to Pick a Reliable Preparer
Watch out for preparers who:
- Promise “huge refunds” or make great guarantees without reviewing real documents
- Refuse to sign returns or withhold credentials (PTINs) or urge refund routing through their accounts
- Suggest that new law changes create easy loopholes for everyone
Good signs in a preparer:
- You see their PTIN and license clearly
- Fees are flat or hourly—not tied to refund size
- They provide clear explanations and want full documentation (e.g. records for tips, overtime, or vehicle use)
## Compliance Practices Every Taxpayer Should Adopt
- Keep receipts, logs, and proofs—especially for **tips, overtime, car loan interest, and vehicle use**, given new deductions.
- Use the IRS **Schedule 1-A** and follow its instructions closely. They provide worksheets and examples for qualifying deductions under the OBBB. ([irs.gov](https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-published-schedule-taxpayers-will-use-to-claim-deductions-on-no-tax-on-tips-no-tax-on-overtime-no-tax-on-car-loans-no-tax-on-seniors?utm_source=openai))
- Be cautious of anyone claiming you don’t need documentation or that filing can be done “blindly.” Many new deductions have income phaseouts or other limits.
## Example Scenario
**Riley**, an hourly server, claimed the “no tax on tips” deduction last year. A shady preparer tells Riley that maxing it out is automatic. But Riley didn’t reach the income threshold. Riley should instead verify eligibility, keep all tip logs, ensure W-2 or 1099 reflects proper reporting, and confirm that deductions are claimed correctly in the new **Schedule 1-A**.
## Take-Home Message
The tax law is evolving quickly. Don’t let changes be an excuse for someone else to make false promises. Use reliable guidance (IRS’s official resources), watch out for scams, and make sure your preparer follows best practices.