Proactive strategies to shield your tax identity from theft

[UNITED STATES] As we approach the 2025 tax season, it's crucial to be proactive in safeguarding your personal information and financial well-being. Income tax identity theft remains a significant concern for taxpayers, with criminals constantly devising new ways to exploit vulnerabilities in the system. This article will explore the importance of early protection against tax-related identity theft and provide actionable steps to secure your tax information.

Income tax identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information, particularly your Social Security number, to file a fraudulent tax return and claim a refund in your name. This type of fraud can lead to significant financial losses and create a bureaucratic nightmare for victims.

According to Steve Weisman, an expert on scams and identity theft, "First and foremost, you should file your return as soon as possible because if you file your income tax return before the identity thief does, the identity thief will be unable to file a phony return using your Social Security number."

The Growing Threat of Tax-Related Identity Theft

In recent years, tax-related identity theft has become increasingly prevalent. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reported approximately 500,000 unresolved identity theft cases as of April 2024, highlighting the scale of this issue3. With the rise of electronic filing and the abundance of personal information available online, criminals have more opportunities than ever to commit tax fraud.

Why Early Protection Matters

Taking steps to protect yourself from income tax identity theft well before the tax season begins is crucial for several reasons:

Preemptive Action: By securing your information early, you reduce the window of opportunity for potential thieves.

Time for Verification: If any issues arise, you'll have ample time to verify your identity with the IRS before the tax filing deadline.

Peace of Mind: Knowing that you've taken steps to protect yourself can alleviate stress during the already hectic tax season.

Key Strategies to Protect Yourself

1. File Your Taxes Early

As Weisman suggests, filing your tax return as soon as possible is one of the most effective ways to prevent tax identity theft. The IRS typically begins accepting tax returns in late January or early February. Mark your calendar and gather your necessary documents well in advance to file as early as possible.

2. Secure Your Personal Information

Be vigilant about protecting your Social Security number and other personal details. Avoid carrying your Social Security card with you, and be cautious about sharing this information online or over the phone.

3. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

When preparing your tax return for electronic filing, use a strong, unique password for your online filing accounts. A strong password should be at least eight characters long and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

4. Obtain an Identity Protection PIN

The IRS offers an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) program. This six-digit number provides an additional layer of security when filing your electronic or paper tax return. Request your IP PIN early to ensure you have it before the tax season begins.

5. Be Wary of Phishing Scams

Criminals often use phishing emails, texts, or phone calls impersonating the IRS to steal personal information. Remember that the IRS will never initiate contact via these methods to request personal or financial information7.

6. Regularly Monitor Your Credit Reports

Keep a close eye on your credit reports throughout the year. You're entitled to one free credit report annually from each of the three major credit bureaus. Stagger these requests to check your credit every four months.

7. Use Secure Internet Connections

When filing your taxes online or accessing sensitive financial information, always use a secure, private internet connection. Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks, which can be easily compromised by hackers.

8. Keep Software Updated

Ensure that your computer's operating system, antivirus software, and firewall are up-to-date. These updates often include critical security patches that protect against the latest threats.

9. Be Cautious with Tax Preparers

If you use a tax preparer, choose a reputable professional. The IRS provides a directory of verified tax preparers that you can consult. Be wary of preparers who promise unusually large refunds or base their fees on a percentage of your refund.

10. Shred Sensitive Documents

Properly dispose of documents containing personal information. Use a cross-cut shredder to destroy old tax returns, drafts, or calculation sheets you no longer need.

What to Do If You Become a Victim

Despite your best efforts, you may still fall victim to tax identity theft. If this happens, take the following steps:

Report the Theft: File a complaint with the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov and contact the IRS immediately.

Complete IRS Form 14039: This Identity Theft Affidavit alerts the IRS that your identity has been stolen.

Continue to File: Even if someone has fraudulently filed a return in your name, continue to file your taxes and pay any taxes owed.

Monitor Your Credit: Place a fraud alert on your credit reports and consider freezing your credit to prevent further damage.

Stay Vigilant: Keep a close eye on your financial accounts and credit reports for any suspicious activity.

The Role of the IRS in Combating Tax Identity Theft

The IRS has implemented several measures to combat tax identity theft, including:

Identity Theft Filters: These filters flag potentially fraudulent returns for review.

Information Sharing: The IRS collaborates with state tax agencies and the tax industry to share information about emerging threats.

Taxpayer Protection Program: This program helps verify the identity of taxpayers whose returns are flagged as potentially fraudulent.

However, as National Taxpayer Advocate Erin Collins noted, "The IRS's failure to timely assist victims more than four years after the start of the pandemic is unacceptable." This underscores the importance of taking personal responsibility for protecting your tax information.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Tax Identity Protection

As technology evolves, so do the methods used by identity thieves. It's crucial to stay informed about new threats and protection strategies. The IRS continues to develop new tools and techniques to combat tax identity theft, but individual vigilance remains the first line of defense.

Protecting yourself from income tax identity theft is an ongoing process that requires attention throughout the year, not just during tax season. By implementing the strategies outlined in this article and staying informed about the latest threats and protection measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim.

Remember, it's never too early to start protecting your tax identity. Take action now to secure your personal information and financial future. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and stay protected.