Tax season is upon us, and while many are eagerly awaiting their tax refunds, it’s important to be aware of the threat of tax identity theft. This occurs when fraudsters file fake returns in your name to steal your refund. To protect yourself, experts recommend filing your taxes early, using trusted tax software, and opting for direct deposit for your refund.
Guarding your Social Security number is also crucial, as scammers can use it to impersonate you. Shredding documents with your SSN, not carrying your card in your wallet, and ignoring calls or emails claiming to be from the IRS are all important steps to take.
Beware of phishing scams, as fake emails and websites are designed to trick you into revealing personal information. The IRS does not email, so it’s important to never click on links in emails claiming to be from the IRS and report suspicious emails to phishing@irs.gov.
The IRS offers an Identity Protection PIN to prevent scammers from filing returns in your name. Monitoring your tax account, using strong passwords and two-factor authentication, and being aware of warning signs of tax ID theft are all important ways to protect yourself.
If you suspect you are a victim of tax ID theft, there are steps you can take such as filing an Identity Theft Affidavit, contacting the IRS Identity Theft Hotline, and alerting the Federal Trade Commission. By being proactive and taking these measures, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to tax identity theft and ensure that your refund stays in your pocket where it belongs.
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