- Always use security software with firewall and anti-virus protections. Make sure the security software is always turned on and can automatically update. Encrypt sensitive files such as tax records stored on your computer. Use strong passwords.
- Learn to recognize and avoid phishing emails, threatening phone calls and texts from thieves posing as legitimate organizations such as your bank, credit card company and government organizations, including the IRS. Do not click on links or download attachments from unknown or suspicious emails.
- Protect your personal data. Don’t routinely carry your social security card, and make sure your tax records are secure. Treat your personal information like you do your cash; don’t leave it lying around. With the arrival of tax season, the IRS and Security Summit partners are reminding taxpayers and tax professionals that there is an increase in schemes targeting innocent taxpayers through email, by phone and online, and be on the lookout for anything that appears deceptive.
- Also, this year bring ‘ or a state id to your appointment. The IRS requests this information for security. If you don’t have any of these forms of id prepare for a delay in your filing.
* February 2017 – NATP TAXPRO Monthly