The Internal Revenue Service, the states, and the tax industry are working together in an unprecedented partnership to protect taxpayers’ federal and state tax accounts from identity thieves. The “Taxes. Security. Together” awareness campaign is an effort to better inform taxpayers about the need to protect personal, tax and financial data home and online.
The IRS, state tax agencies, and the tax industry also hosted a National Tax Security Awareness Week Dec. 5 to Dec. 8, 2016. In addition, it launched a Protect your Clients; Protect Yourself campaign to raise awareness among tax professionals that they too are increasingly the targets of criminals.
The steps taken by the IRS, although transparent to the public, will help it verify the identity of a taxpayer and the validity of a tax return. The subjects prioritized by the partnership for 2017 are enhanced authentication procedures, improved information sharing, heightened cyber security and greater public education and outreach.
Taxpayers continue to be victimized; coerced by criminals to turn over Social Security numbers, bank account numbers or password information. Often, this information is utilized to file fraudulent returns.
Taxpayers should always have a firewall and anti-virus protection. Security software must always be turned on and should automatically update. Sensitive information such as tax records should be kept in encrypted files if stored on a computer.
Any personal information must be treated as a valuable asset. Personal data must be protected from criminals who often pose as a creditor, bank or the IRS. Keep a Social Security card, as well as tax records in a safe place. Only strong passwords should be used and any suspicious activity such as phishing emails, threatening calls and texts should be noted with caution. Do not open links or download attachments from unknown or suspicious emails.
Tax preparers are also critical in helping prevent identity theft. Businesses and other organizations also may combat identity theft by educating their employees, clients, and customers. Businesses that store sensitive financial data must have a security plan that is regularly updated. The tax professionals at the Thorgood Law Firm can assure you that your personal, sensitive, financial information is given the utmost, around the clock protection at our offices.
A tax professional may evaluate anyone’s situation to help determine the wisdom of any beginning of the year tax-savings moves. If you are an individual or business in the New York or Tri-State area and have any question about taxes, especially in planning ahead for the next filing season, call THE TAX EXPERTS at the Thorgood Law Firm www.thorgoodlaw.com. For a FREE consultation call 212-490-0704.
