Online security advice focused on preventing digital identity theft during tax-related transactions with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
In today's digital age, safeguarding personal and financial information is more crucial than ever, especially when it comes to tax-related matters. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has emphasised the importance of this issue through their ongoing 2025 campaigns against tax-related identity theft.
To help taxpayers fortify their defences, the IRS has provided several recommendations. Firstly, regularly monitoring IRS accounts for any unauthorised activity is essential to quickly identify potential fraud.
Secondly, encrypt and password-protect tax-related documents to prevent unauthorised access to sensitive financial data. A proactive measure is to apply for an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN), a unique code issued by the IRS to add an extra layer of security when filing tax returns.
Taxpayers are also advised to be wary of suspicious emails, text messages, phone calls, and attachments. The IRS explicitly states it does not send urgent or threatening messages via phone or pre-recorded calls. If in doubt, do not respond or click on any links provided, even if they appear to be from trusted organisations.
In case of suspected identity theft, it is critical to report it immediately by using IRS Form 14039. This action alerts the IRS and initiates remediation processes.
Staying informed is key in this battle against evolving scam tactics. The IRS's Security Summit's "Protect Your Clients; Protect Yourself" series raises awareness of these tactics targeting tax professionals and taxpayers alike.
In addition to these digital precautions, it's important to remember that legitimate businesses do not ask for sensitive information to be sent through unsecured channels. Therefore, avoid using the same password for several accounts and never click on links provided in such messages, even if they appear to be from trusted organisations.
Secure wireless networks by encrypting them and creating a password. When shopping or banking online, ensure the site uses encryption by looking for "https" at the beginning of the web address.
Lastly, essential security software tools include a firewall, virus/malware protection, and file encryption. These tools should be set to update automatically to ensure they remain effective against the latest digital threats.
For more information, read the IRS Publication 4524, Security Awareness for Taxpayers. By following these recommendations, taxpayers can better protect their identity and financial information against increasingly sophisticated identity theft schemes that threaten both individuals and tax professionals.
- In the realm of tax-related matters, it's important to incorporate technology like encryption and password protection to secure sensitive financial data, such as tax-related documents.
- The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recommends that taxpayers remain cautious about suspicious emails, texts, or phone calls, as the IRS does not convey urgent or threatening messages via these channels.
){kind=link}