FIGHTING IRS IDENTITY THEFT

FIGHTING IRS IDENTITY THEFT

“LATELY I’VE BEEN HEARING MORE AND MORE ABOUT OTHERS ENCOUNTERING FRAUDULENT ACTIVITY RELATED TO THEIR TAX RETURNS. WHAT KIND OF THINGS SHOULD I LOOK FOR NOW AND IN THE FUTURE?”

It is not your imagination… The number of suspect returns grew significantly this year. We’ve read of certain states experiencing thousands of suspicious returns early on in the tax season. In all, close to 20 states found its taxpayers had their data compromised.

One of the biggest “Red Flags” a taxpayer can witness in regard to fraudulent returns is learning that their return had already been filed… before they actually do the filing themselves! At least in the case of this year’s more fraudulent returns, the source of the problem appeared to be related to the “box set” style filing options.

Obviously at Tri-Valley Tax & Financial Services, Inc. (TVT), our clients do not need to worry about the “do-it-yourself” service because they know that their returns are in the hands of a trusted professional that they know has extensive experience.

However, if you work with a professional verses using a “box set” style option and you still receive a letter from the IRS reporting that suspicious activities had occurred, that’s another big red flag too. Do not ignore the issue based on fear. In this event, we can help you take the proper steps forward to resolve the matter with the IRS, including filing any required forms. We can also obtain a PIN number from the IRS for verifying your identity in the future.

“OK, BUT HOW DO I KNOW IF IT IS REALLY THE IRS WHO IS CONTACTING ME AND NOT AN IMPOSTER?”

Excellent question! Remember as RULE #1 when you are trying to identify the authenticity of a contact from the IRS: Ask for their ID#. The IRS will NEVER email you. And… real IRS agents will not leave voicemails on your phone unless you have already made contact. The primary method of communication is almost always a letter. If you are currently a client and working with TVT then we generally get a copy of that letter also.

Identity theft in any form can make you feel violated and the hackers are getting craftier in their methods all the time. Good news! You do not have to feel like a victim for long. You do not have to feel helpless due to tax return fraud forever. Tri-Valley Tax & Financial Services, Inc. (TVT) can help provide the clarity that you need to go from helpless victim to taking back control of your identity. If you are unsure and wondering what your next move should be, give us a call today at (925) 469-1040 or check us out at www.trivalley.tax.