Protect Your Clients; Protect Yourself

Due to the sensitive client data held by tax professionals, cybercriminals increasingly target the tax preparation community. Thieves use a variety of tactics, from remote computer takeovers to phishing scams.

The IRS, state tax agencies and the private-sector tax industry ask for your help to combat identity theft and fraudulent returns. Working in partnership with you, we can make a difference. That’s why we launched a public awareness campaign that we call, “Protect Your Clients; Protect Yourself.”

Identity thieves are a formidable enemy. Data breaches are increasing in number and scope. Thieves often use the stolen identity information to file tax returns. As a tax preparer, you play a critical role in protecting taxpayer data.

Most tax professional’s software includes security protections. You should take other defensive moves as well.

Here are a few critical steps:

Secure Data. Make sure that taxpayer data, including data left on hardware and media, is never left unsecured; use security software on all digital devices.
Shred Documents and Destroy Media. Securely dispose of taxpayer information.
Use Strong Passwords. Require strong passwords (numbers, symbols, upper and lowercase) on all computers, tax software programs and Wi-Fi.
Change Passwords. Require periodic password changes every 60 – 90 days.
Safely Store Data. Store taxpayer data in secure systems and encrypt information when transmitting across networks.
Encrypt Email. Encrypt e-mail that contains taxpayer data.

Courtesy of IRS

For more information contact Neikirk, Mahoney and Smith at 502-896-2999