The IRS has joined with industry and states on a public awareness campaign to provide taxpayers with easy tips to better protect themselves. For some quick tips, you can watch an informative video here.

Tax-related identity theft occurs when someone uses your stolen Social Security Number to file a tax return claiming a fraudulent refund. To prevent becoming another victim of identity theft, the IRS has compiled the following tips to help keep you safe:

1. Don't carry your Social Security card or any documents that include your Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
2. Don't give a business your SSN or ITIN just because someone asks. Give it only when required.
3. Monitor your financial information regularly, including your credit report. You can get a free report yearly at annualcreditreport.com, and several financial services now offer free monitoring at any time.
4. Review your Social Security Administration earnings statement annually.
5. Secure any personal information kept in your home.
6. Protect your personal computers by using firewalls and anti-spam/virus software, updating security patches and changing passwords for Internet accounts.
7. Don't give personal information over the phone, through the mail, or via the Internet unless you have initiated the contact or you know who you are dealing with.

If you have any questions about the security of your tax information, please contact our firm.