Although it is comforting to know that the IRS is taking measures to protect taxpayers against identity theft, unfortunately, it is not always enough to stop the crime from happening. That is why it is essential for taxpayers to take precautions and measures to protect themselves.
How tax identity theft occur?
Before you learn how to protect yourself, it is vital that you understand what the crime is. the Tax Identity theft occurs when an identity thief files a tax return forged under the name of someone else hoping to receive and cash the refund before the taxpayer has a chance to submit their own taxes. Most people do not realize they have been victims of crime until they go to file their taxes themselves and are alerted by the IRS that a tax return has already been filed on their behalf .
What can I do to protect myself?
There is no definitive way to prevent the tax identity theft, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself against crime.
1. File your taxes sooner rather than later: Since identity thieves are trying to produce a fraudulent tax return before you in the hope of receiving your refund, it is essential that you file your taxes as soon as you receive all necessary tax forms from your employer, banks, schools or any other company or organization. If you miss a tax of any company or organization form, then you should call them to inquire about the form. Filing your taxes early can ensure an identity thief will not be able to file a tax return forged in your name.
2. Use a reputable company: It is no secret that when you file your taxes you provide tax company with all your personal information - number social security, date of birth, information work and wages, bank names, etc. This is why it is essential for you to use a reputable company, such as Turbo Tax or H & R Block to file your taxes. Using a reputable company, you can ensure that your information will be safe with the company. If you prefer to do your taxes online, then you should always make sure that you use an online tax company reputable and verification of site safety. You can do this by simply doing that the URL begins with HTTPS, which means https. Any site that has HTTPS at the beginning of the URL encrypts the information you enter to make sure it is protected against piracy.
3. Do not use the Wi-Fi file or consult your statement: Public Wi-Fi is not secure, meaning everyone in the network can hack and monitor or access to information. While Wi-Fi has a password, it is still not a good idea because anyone in this public place can access the network. That's why the best way to do your taxes online is at your own computer using your own Wi-Fi password protected. This is a rule that you must follow anytime you enter personal information into a website, and Web sites related to taxes not only.
4. tax files of mail at the post office: If you choose to send your tax file directly to the IRS, then you should be sure to place the envelope out the post office yourself. Do not leave it in your mailbox for the mailman to pick up because you can not guarantee that the factor will be the person to pick it up (someone can easily catch before the postman arrives). It might also be a good idea for you to send the tax files by certified mail so that you know that the IRS has received the documents safely.
5. Beware of text messages or e-mails from the IRS: The main form of communication for the IRS's traditional mail, so if you receive a message electronic or text of the IRS, it is essential that you do not answer, because it is more likely that an identity thief trying to collect personal information about you to file a tax return forged in your name. The IRS only contact taxpayers by telephone, fax or mail, according to its website. If you are contacted by the IRS and want to check if it's legitimate before providing any information, you can simply call the service revenue at 1-800-829-1040.
What should I do if I fell tax identity theft victim?
The primary step you need to do when you are a victim of identity theft tax is notify the IRS immediately by calling the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1 -800-908-4490. The specialized unit will be able to guide you through the necessary steps you must take to report the fraud to the revenue service.
The second step, you'll want to take is alert any business that your personal information - including banks, grocery stores, schools, utilities, suppliers of cable and Internet, insurance companies and any other company that has all of your personal information to ensure they are aware that your identity has been stolen and they should take additional steps to verify your identity.
Once you reported to the specialized unit and alerted the companies or organizations required, you may want to consider signing up for a service protection against identity theft because the identity thief could have more of your personal information - such as your social security number and address of the house - and a protection service against identity theft will help you to actively monitor activity your personal information through its public and Internet records monitoring the black market, as well as monitor activity on your credit reports, it is followed with three office. Visit our graphic identity theft compare to see which service will best suit your needs or see our identity theft protection against the blog for more tips on how to protect yourself.