IRS Releases the Dirty Dozen Tax Scams for 2012

The Internal Revenues Service lists identity theft as number one on its annual “Dirty Dozen” ranking of tax scams. Its part of a cautionary message going out to taxpayers to be careful this tax season.

Regional Spokesperson, Karen Connelly, says another big one to watch for is return preparer fraud. That's the person you hire to do the job for you, "and most of those people are bonafide honest service providers, but as is the case with many other businesses, there are some who will prey on our unsuspecting tax payers."

She says beware of the preparer who promises a bigger refund than anyone else, choose carefully and check with the Better Business Bureau.

Connelly says remember that you the tax payer are the responsible party, so make sure your return is correct before you sign it.