Washington News

In IR-2018-177, the IRS continued its series on data security. These are part of the "Protect Your Clients; Protect Yourself: Tax Security 101" campaign. While this series is directed at CPAs and other tax professionals, these safety tips are useful and helpful for everyone.

The IRS described five warning signs that may help you or your advisor take action to protect your information.

1. Rejected Return - If you file a tax return and it is rejected, another person may have already filed a return with your Social Security Number.
2. IRS Letters - The IRS may send letters to confirm or authenticate items on a tax return. If you receive an IRS letter before filing a return, this may indicate a problem.
3. Unexpected Refund - If an unexpected tax refund appears in your bank account, be on guard. A scammer could file a return, send the tax refund to a taxpayer's account and then contact the taxpayer. The tax scammer will explain that under federal law the taxpayer must return the improper tax refund. He or she will then ask the taxpayer to send that refund back to a special account. The special account will, of course, be under the control of the tax scammer who will then withdraw the funds.
4. Unexpected Tax Transcript - Tax scammers may try to use the IRS Get Transcript system to obtain your prior year tax information. He or she will use that information to file a fraudulent return. If you receive an unexpected tax transcript, it may have been requested by a tax scammer. The IRS uses two-factor authentication for tax transcript requests. As a result, it is difficult (but not impossible) for a tax scammer to obtain your tax transcript.
5. Computer Malware - If you click on a link in an email that claims to be from your tax preparer or financial institution but is actually from a scammer, the email may load malware on your computer. There are two types of fairly common malware - a program that moves your cursor and controls your computer or a virus that locks all of your files. With the moving cursor, the tax scammer may actually use tax software to prepare your return. He or she will change the bank refund numbers and file the return from your computer. With the lockout software, the tax scammer encrypts and locks all your computer files. He or she then demands a ransom that is usually sent to an overseas bank account. If you pay the ransom, you might recover your files.

The IRS has several security publications available on www.IRS.gov. While it is oriented toward tax advisors, you may find it useful to view Pub. 5293, Data Security Resource Guide for Tax Professionals.