Tax season Officially beginso you should be ready to file your 2024 tax return and prepare for the fraudsters who are already wandering. Don’t be baited and fascinated.
Many people are relaxed in protecting their personal information online Large-scale data breach Background check companies have an estimated 2.9 billion records, including social security numbers.
H&R Block Vice President of Taxation Department Andy Phillips said protecting yourself is important, including the time and difficulties of recovering from tax identity thefts.
“Consumers need to consider how to protect their personal and tax information online so as not to fall victim to tax-related identity theft,” he said.
When economic demand and pressure are emphasized, there are always risks when people provide things that are too good to be true. Nearly 40% of taxpayers will Refund required According to a recent credit karma survey, make a living.
The basic work and not always the starting point of working with tax professionals. More than half of taxpayers turn to tax professionals to help file tax returns, the IRS said. Choosing a well-known provider can prevent financial damage. Taxpayers should avoid immorality “Ghost” returns No signature or included valid preparer Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) Each tax return they prepare.
Taxpayers can also use it IRS Federal Tax Return Preparers Directory and Select Qualifications Find trustworthy professionals. Choose an affiliated Recognized National Tax Association Also recommended. The National Accounting Association still maintains database Help consumers check if their provider is a certified public accountant and has a good reputation.
Then there are more specific ways in which our tax life and daily life migrations bring other risks to the tax season online. There are several ways consumers can help ensure their identity and personal information are secure.
Online processes that ensure providers use safely
Lisa Greene-Lewis said choosing a tax expert for review is the first step, but when sending personal information over the internet, make sure your provider can provide you with a secure link so the information is direct Transfer to the intended recipient in a safe manner. Turbotax’s spokeswoman.
If your tax professional asks you to email personal information, it may be time to switch providers. “I won’t email important documents,” Green Lewis said.
Submit early or use IRS PIN file
Fraudsters sometimes try to file tax returns using someone else’s social security number. To mitigate this possibility, submit taxes early, Phillips said. In many cases, social security numbers can only be used on an electronically filed tax return, so early filing can help reduce the potential of tax rate theft.
Of course, many people have done this because they expect a refund. The IRS estimates that more than 140 million individual tax returns for the 2024 tax year will be filed by the federal deadline on April 15.
Another option is taxpayer requirements Identity protection pin from IRSwhich prevents others from submitting tax returns using their Social Security Number or personal taxpayer ID number. This PIN helps verify the taxpayer’s identity when filing an electronic or paper tax return, adding additional security. Many taxpayers are eligible to establish a PIN online. Otherwise, there is a choice Fill in PDF and send it to the IRS by post or fax.
Beware of fake “IRS” emails or text
According to the IRS, thousands of people lose millions of dollars and their personal information loses tax scams, so it is important to know the warning signs. It is usually the first time the IRS contacts people via regular emails sent by the U.S. Postal Service. To verify that the IRS sends a letter or notification, you can Search for it on irs.gov. Some letters come from Private collection agency.
The IRS will never contact you via email Some exceptions For example, you have an account and choose to send an email, and Criminal Investigation. Similarly, the IRS will not text taxpayers without permission. The IRS may call to discuss your case, verify information or set up a meeting, but this will not be unsolicited. Face-to-face visits are also rare, and the IRS usually sends a letter in advance.
Often, fraudulent communications claiming from the IRS or related individuals may make mistakes or other mistakes, but with artificial intelligence, these communications are more complex and it is difficult to spot a scam. The best advice is not to click on random links contained in emails or text, even those you think you know. Emails and text are easy to be fooled, and it’s better to be safe than regret.
Don’t rush to ask for a quote about refunds, points and payments
Scammers often try to mislead people on tax refunds, credit and payments. They put pressure on people to get personal, financial, employment information or money. Warning signs of possible scams include a large amount of payday commitments, immediate payment requirements or threats.
Also, don’t fall into the case of a scam, someone will offer you a portion of your refund and seek benefits. “If someone charges you a part of the refund, it’s a red flag. You need to walk away.” He added that if they ask for help getting credit but refuses to sign your tax return, that’s another A red flag.
Consumers can read the latest Consumer Alerts About the tax scam identified by the IRS on its website.
Beware of pandemic-related scams still being used today
New scams or older scams with slightly different twists will always pop up.
In January, Identity Theft Resource Center warn Regarding the consumers of criminals, they claim criminals from the IRS in emails and texts to trick people into thinking they are eligible for the pandemic-related economic impact payment (EIP). According to ITRC, scammers want to attract victims to respond or click on malicious links so that they can steal personal and financial information that can be used for a variety of fraudulent purposes.
Consumers receiving such information should forward it to the IRS phishing@irs.gov.
“Always be alert and attentive about the information you provide and what you share,” Phillips said.
