Prevent ID Theft By Filing with an IP-PIN
According to Experian, fraud and ID theft increased 19% in 2021 from the prior year, potentially fueled by anxiety and confusion over the COVID-19 pandemic. Experiencing ID theft due to a fraudulently filed income tax return can be frustrating, time consuming, and potentially costly. One simple step you can take to protect your identity with the IRS is to create an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) online.
https://sa.www4.irs.gov/icce-core/loac/ippin/pages/ippin.xhtml
Once created, the IP PIN is valid for one year, and a new number will generate each year. The PIN is used to electronically file your return and thus prevent someone else from filing a fraudulent return. Don’t ever give out your IP PIN to anyone emailing, texting or calling asking for this number, other than your tax professional.
It’s also important to be careful when connected to social media. Do not post personal financial information or ask tax details of others while in an open digital environment. Texting copies of tax returns or documents with sensitive information could put you or others at risk for ID theft.
See IRS Publication 4524 for further information about security awareness as a taxpayer.