Take five minutes to secure your tax return from identity theft
The IRS has provided a new way taxpayers can help prevent a tax return being filed under their name and SSN. The recently expanded Identity Protection PIN Opt-In Program provides a six-digit code known only to the taxpayer and to the IRS. It helps prevent identity thieves from filing fraudulent tax returns using a taxpayers’ personally identifiable information. The IP PIN Opt-In program is voluntary and spouses and dependents are eligible for an IP PIN if they can verify their identities.
The IP PIN is valid for a calendar year and correct IP PINs must be entered on electronic and paper tax returns to avoid rejections and delay. The process only takes a few minutes; to begin, visit https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin.