Protect Yourself This Holiday Season: IRS Warns About Tax Scams & Identity Theft

As we approach the holidays and the 2026 tax season, the IRS and its Security Summit partners have announced the 10th Annual National Tax Security Awareness Week. This initiative reminds taxpayers and business owners to remain vigilant against tax-related identity theft and scams, which often spike during this time of year.

At Velin & Associates, Inc., we want to make sure our clients — from YouTubers to doctors and dentists, Amazon or Shopify sellers, and high net worth individuals — know how to protect themselves.

Why Tax Scams Are a Growing Threat

Identity thieves are getting increasingly sophisticated. Instead of filing obviously fake returns, scammers are now attempting to steal your personal and financial information to submit authentic-looking tax returns or access your bank accounts.

Common threats include:

1. Social media scams – Fraudulent posts promise secret tax credits, refunds, or loopholes. Influencers may spread inaccurate advice that could mislead you into making mistakes on your tax return.
Example: When our clients running a Shopify store receive direct messages claiming the IRS was holding a “hidden sales tax credit,” our team reviews the claims and confirms it is a scam before any money changes hands.

2. Phishing & Smishing – Emails and texts impersonating the IRS or other trusted entities may ask for money or personal information. Clicking a link or opening an attachment can compromise your devices.
Example: When our TikTok creator clients receive a fake IRS email requesting verification of their IP PIN, we help them report it and secure their account before scammers can gain access.

3. Senior-targeted scams – Individuals over 65 or nearing retirement are often pressured to share retirement account info or make withdrawals under false pretenses.
Example: When our doctor clients’ elderly parents receive a call claiming the IRS needs immediate payment to release a refund, we advise them to verify immediately, avoiding a potential financial loss.

4. Business & tax professional scams – Cybercriminals target small businesses, online sellers, and tax preparers to steal client data.
Example: When our Amazon Business clients receive a phishing email disguised as a state tax notice, our team implements multi-factor authentication and confirms that no data is compromised.

How to Protect Yourself

Velin & Associates recommends the following proactive steps:

• Get an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)
  An IP PIN is a six-digit number issued by the IRS that prevents anyone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security number or ITIN. Anyone can request one, including individuals living abroad.
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• Verify all requests for personal information
  The IRS will never call or email demanding payment or private details. Always confirm directly with your CPA or the IRS.
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• Use secure devices & accounts
  Enable multi-factor authentication on your email, banking, and accounting software accounts.
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• Be cautious on social media
  Do not follow tax advice from influencers or unverified accounts claiming secret credits, deductions, or refunds.
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• Keep your tax records safe
  This is especially important for online commerce and creator clients who manage multiple platforms, like YouTube, Shopify, or Amazon.

Client Examples from Velin & Associates

• CPA for YouTubers / CPA for TikTokers: We advise creators to secure their payment platforms (PayPal, Cash App, Venmo) and watch for scam messages claiming the IRS is holding “livestream tip taxes.”
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• Shopify Store CPA / Online Commerce CPA / CPA for Amazon Business: Clients managing e-commerce platforms are warned about fake state tax emails requesting confidential seller information.
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• CPA for Doctors / CPA for Medical Practice / Dentist CPA / Dental Business CPA: Professionals are guided on preventing phishing attacks aimed at payroll or patient financial records.
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• CPA for High Net Worth Individuals: We assist in setting up secure email, banking alerts, and IP PINs to safeguard sensitive assets and tax info.

Resources & Next Steps

The IRS and Security Summit partners provide tools and guidance for everyone to stay safe this tax season:

• Learn more about preventing tax information theft: Security Summit
• Identity theft victims: Identity Theft Central
• Report scams & get trusted tax advice: IRS Tax Scams

At Velin & Associates, Inc., we are already helping our clients implement these protections to avoid fraud and secure their financial and tax information.

For more information about our tax planning services, contact us today: visit our website.

Velin & Associates, Inc

8159 Santa Monica Blvd STE 198/200 West Hollywood, CA 90046
323-902-1000
dmitriy@losangelescpa.org

CPA for YouTubers | CPA for Shopify Store | CPA for Online Commerce | CPA for Creators | Shopify Store CPA | CPA for Filmmakers | CPA for Amazon Business | Amazon Business CPA | CPA for Dental Practice | Dentist CPA | Dental Business CPA | Online Commerce CPA | CPA for TikTokers | CPA for Doctors | CPA for Medical Practice | CPA for High Net Worth Individuals