Hackers and data thieves target personally identifiable information (PII). They also know their best score can be had by filing information using your tax ID and stealing your withholdings before you are the wiser. But by working together, we can mutually reduce the risk of this happening to you. Here are some tips to protect your tax information:

Awareness is key

Your number one defense against becoming a victim is to be aware. So whenever you open an email, read a text, answer a phone, or go to a website, keep your awareness switch on high. This is especially true in this age of AI. Fake emails look more real than ever. Voice replication can duplicate a voice, and texts come from valid-looking vendors.

In addition, do not send any tax records attached to an email. Only use safe, encrypted paths to do so, or drop off the material in person. Copies of 1099s and W-2s are needed, but only if they are sent securely. There are certain safeguards to keep in mind: physical, technical, and administrative. Your security can be broken down into these three categories:

1. Physical: Keep your data physically safe. Be sure your records are in locked places, and your digital data on your computer is password-protected and encrypted. Destroy old documents, shred the paper ones, and keep backups of your data.
2. Technical: Keep your software up to date, including antivirus software and your computer/phone’s operating system. Use secure passwords and turn on multifactor authentication whenever possible.
3. Administrative: Stay up to date on the latest threats. When you receive breach notices, take security action. And monitor your accounts, especially financial ones.

Final tips to protect your tax information

If you have any concerns whatsoever, you cannot file the tax return protection program, which requires you to provide a unique ID when filing your tax return. The ID is required if you have had your tax information stolen, but its participation is otherwise voluntary. If you are in the program, understand that you cannot fix your return without this security code.

• Never give private information when the initial contact comes from another source
• Independently verify the source, and only use a separate, known way to communicate
• Don’t send PII over open lines
• Never use public Wi-Fi
• Check statements at least monthly
• Stay on top of the news and keep updated about breach notices
• Be alert for any 1099s or other tax forms you receive that do not make sense

If you are the least bit suspicious about a tax-related call or contact, reach out immediately. Help is only a call away. Contact our RRBB advisors if you have any questions or for more information.