Ok, this is NOT a myth. These steps come verbatum from the ever-helpful IRS.
RS Security Awareness Tax Tip Number 3, December 7, 2015 – Español
The theft of your identity, especially personal information such as your name, Social Security number, address and children’s names, can be traumatic and frustrating. In this online era, it’s important to always be on guard.
The IRS has teamed up with state revenue departments and the tax industry to make sure you understand the dangers to your personal and financial data. Taxes. Security. Together. Working in partnership with you, we can make a difference.
Here are seven steps you can make part of your routine to protect your tax and financial information:
To learn additional steps you can take to protect your personal and financial data, visit Taxes. Security. Together. You also can read Publication 4524, Security Awareness for Taxpayers.
Each and every taxpayer has a set of fundamental rights they should be aware of when dealing with the IRS. These are your Taxpayer Bill of Rights. Explore your rights and our obligations to protect them on IRS.gov.
Additional IRS Resources:
IRS Commissioner Koskinen’s Statement on the Security Summit Group Public Awareness Campaign
Taxpayer Guide to Identity Theft
Publication 5027, Identity Theft Information for Taxpayers
www.irs.gov/identitytheft — Identity Protection: Prevention, Detection and Victim Assistance
IR-2015-129, IRS, States and Tax Industry Announce New Steps to Help Public to Protect Personal Tax Data
Fact Sheet 2015-23, IRS, States and Industry Partners Provide Update on Collaborative Fight Against Tax-Related Identity Theft
IRS and Partner Statements on the October 2015 Security Summit Meeting
IRS YouTube Videos:
Taxes. Security. Together. – English
IRS Efforts On Identity Theft – English | Spanish | ASL
IRS Identity Theft FAQ: First Steps for Victims – English | Spanish | ASL
IRS Identity Theft FAQ: Going After The Bad Guys – English | Spanish | ASL
IRS Podcasts:
IRS Efforts on Identity Theft – English | Spanish
IRS Identity Theft FAQ: First Steps for Victims – English | Spanish
IRS Identity Theft FAQ: Going After The Bad Guys – English | Spanish