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Tax Season = Identity Theft Season... Not too many years ago, I switched from a tax/bookkeeping service to a CPA to do my corporate and personal taxes. My accountant did an e-file on my personal account only to find taxes (with sizable refund) had already been filed a few weeks earlier! Thinking I lost my mind asking her to do my taxes when taxes had 'already been done' we had to file reports for fraud. The IRS issued a pin number for security that only she and I knew. Great idea, except it happened again the following year. We requested they block e-filing from me (or from any person pretending to be me) and all returns must be mailed with the included security information. Recently, I read a Yahoo/Consumer Reports story about tax identity theft that claims the IRS (in 2013) has paid out $5.8 billion in refunds that were later found to be fraudulent. So as a safety tip... The IRS will NEVER call, text or email you asking personal or financial information and especially never demand payment by these means. So, if this happens, report it to the police. |
