IRS urges taxpayers to protect personal, financial information

WASHINGTON – The IRS is urging taxpayers to protect their personal, financial and tax information, especially during tax season.
The federal agency is issuing a series of tax-season tips, and last week released information about how to protect personal and financial information. This year’s tax-filing deadline is April 18.
“The IRS works year-round to protect taxpayers against scams and identity theft,” said John Koskinen, IRS commissioner. “But we can’t do this alone. Taxpayers can do their part by taking certain precautions to stay ahead of these would-be con artists.”
Protecting personal information is something taxpayers should be mindful of at all times during the year, but the IRS says it’s especially important during tax season, as people are waiting to hear about a tax refund or the status of their return. The anticipation is used to lure expecting taxpayers into providing personal and financial information unknowingly.
“Treat personal information like cash – don’t hand it out to just anyone,” the IRS says. “Social security numbers, credit card numbers, bank and utility account numbers can be used to steal money or open new accounts. Every time a taxpayer receives a request for personal information, they should think about whether the request is truly necessary. Scammers will do everything they can to appear trustworthy and legitimate.”
For a full guide on how to protect personal and financial information, readers are urged to visit the IRS website.

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