IRS Publication 5461-C Spanish – Small businesses face constant threats from sophisticated tax-related scams. The IRS created Publication 5461-C (SP) — the official Spanish version titled “Las empresas deben tener cuidado con las estafas relacionadas con los impuestos e implementar salvaguardas” — to help Spanish-speaking business owners stay protected.
Revised in November 2022 (and still the current edition as of 2026), this short, authoritative flyer delivers essential reminders and direct links to IRS resources. It is available as a free PDF download directly from the official IRS website:
Download the Spanish PDF here: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5461csp.pdf
Why this publication matters for businesses in 2026
Most cyberattacks target small businesses with fewer than 100 employees. Scammers constantly evolve their tactics — from classic W-2 phishing to AI-powered spear-phishing and fraudulent credit claims. Publication 5461-C (SP) serves as a quick, reliable reference that cuts through the noise with trusted IRS guidance.
Key Reminders Straight from IRS Publication 5461-C (Spanish Version)
The flyer highlights these critical points (translated for clarity, with original Spanish phrasing noted where helpful):
- Learn best security practices for small businesses (“Conozca las mejores prácticas de seguridad para pequeñas empresas”).
- IRS protective masking — The IRS continues to mask sensitive information on business transcripts to prevent leaks.
- Report business identity theft — Use Form 14039 (or the dedicated Business Identity Theft Affidavit, Form 14039-B in English) to notify the IRS.
- Beware of various scams, especially the W-2 scam (“Tenga cuidado con varias estafas, especialmente la estafa de W-2 que intenta robar información sobre los ingresos de los empleados”).
- Check the “Negocios” (Business) section of the IRS Identity Theft Central at IRS.gov/robodeidentidad (or the English version at IRS.gov/IdentityTheft).
Additional official resource: Visit the IRS Security Summit page at www.irs.gov/cumbredeseguridad for ongoing security reminders.
Current Tax Scams Targeting Businesses (IRS Dirty Dozen 2025 – Still Relevant in 2026)
The IRS updates its annual “Dirty Dozen” list every year. Here are the scams most relevant to businesses and employers:
- Email and spear-phishing scams — Fake “new client” requests or urgent W-2 verification emails that install malware.
- Overstated withholding / fabricated W-2 and 1099 scams — Scammers instruct businesses or employees to falsify withholding to inflate refunds.
- False Employee Retention Credit (ERC) and Fuel Tax Credit claims — Promoters push ineligible claims, leading to audits and penalties.
- Ghost tax preparers — Unlicensed preparers who vanish after charging refund-based fees.
- New client spear-phishing — Cybercriminals pose as potential clients to infiltrate tax professionals’ or business systems.
The IRS warns that these schemes caused millions in losses in 2025, with phishing and social-media “tax hacks” leading the charge.
Proven Safeguards Every Business Should Implement Today
Follow these IRS-recommended steps to protect your company:
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) everywhere — especially on payroll, banking, and tax software.
- Train employees on recognizing phishing and never sharing W-2 or payroll data via email.
- Use strong, unique passwords and a password manager.
- Verify all tax professionals — Only work with those who have a valid PTIN and will sign your return.
- Monitor business transcripts regularly on IRS.gov (masked sensitive data helps limit exposure).
- Report suspected identity theft immediately using Form 14039-B.
- Stay informed — Bookmark the Spanish-language IRS resources at IRS.gov/es and sign up for IRS Tax Tips.
Pro tip: The IRS never requests personal or financial information via unsolicited email, text, or social media. Any communication claiming to be from the IRS with urgent demands is almost certainly a scam.
Spanish-Language Resources from the IRS
- Full Spanish IRS website: IRS.gov/es
- Identity Theft Information for Businesses (Spanish): IRS.gov/robodeidentidad
- National Tax Security Awareness Week updates (ongoing annual campaign)
Take Action Now
- Download Publication 5461-C (SP) and share it with your team.
- Review your cybersecurity practices this week.
- Bookmark the “Negocios” section on IRS Identity Theft Central.
- If you suspect a scam or identity theft, report it immediately at IRS.gov and to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Protecting your business from tax-related scams is an ongoing process, not a one-time task. The IRS Publication 5461-C Spanish version provides the official starting point — clear, concise, and 100% trustworthy.
Stay vigilant, implement strong safeguards, and keep your business secure in 2026 and beyond.
Official sources used:
- IRS Publication 5461-C (Rev. 11-2022) and 5461-C (SP)
- IRS Dirty Dozen 2025 announcement
- IRS Identity Theft Central and Tax Scams pages (accessed February 2026)
For the most up-to-date information, always visit IRS.gov directly.