Taxpayer Identity Fraud

In light of the recent issues surrounding identity theft and cybersecurity, we would like to offer some tips to protect your credit and your federal tax account from fraudulent tax returns. Residents of Georgia, Florida and the District of Columbia may participate in an IRS pilot program and apply for a special identification number called an IP PIN. An IP PIN is a unique six-digit number assigned by the IRS to prevent others from filing a fraudulent return using your social security number.

Instructions for obtaining an IP PIN from the IRS can be found at IRS IP PIN.

Note: If you have already frozen your credit, you will need to unfreeze it temporarily to create this IP PIN.

Other things to note on taxpayer ID fraud and the IP PIN:

• The IP PIN is a unique number that is re-issued annually in December via written correspondence from the IRS.
• The IP PIN is generally available to taxpayers who have been victims of identity theft and/or tax fraud, but is also available to qualified taxpayers in Georgia, Florida and the District of Columbia, even if they have not yet been a victim of ID theft and tax fraud.
• CAUTION: The IRS never calls or sends emails or text messages asking you to provide information.  Visit report phishing for instructions if you are unsure about the authenticity of any unsolicited communication you receive, other than US mail, claiming to be from the IRS.
• Other steps to take in order to mitigate tax fraud include:
  • File early, don’t give fraudsters an opportunity to beat you to the punch by submitting returns before you do.
  • Sign up for an online account with the IRS and monitor it regularly.
  • Provide a change of address notification to tax authorities (Form 8822) if you have moved recently.

If you have any questions, please contact us at info@alliantcpa.com.