Tax Security Tips
The last day of January was the deadline for employers to send out W-2’s, which means that tax season is officially in full swing. It also means that it is a great time for identity thieves to steal your personal information. Keep these tax security tips in mind to ensure that your personal information stays safe during tax time.
- Watch your mail – important tax information is never sent through email, which means that it will be coming to your mailbox. Some identity thieves will follow mail carriers to get a hold of sensitive tax information, and then return the mail a few days later. If you have not already received your W-2, make sure to contact your employer.
- Safeguard hard copies – once you have received your W-2 or any other tax information, keep it safe. Keep them in a locked filing cabinet or safe to ensure that they do not fall into the wrong hands. If you are taking them to your accountant, make sure to go directly to your accountant, do not make any stops on your way there and leave your tax information in your car.
- Know the warning signs – if an identity thief does get a hold of your sensitive information, make sure that you know the warning signs. If multiple tax filings have be submitted in your name, or if the IRS records show that you have been paid by an employer that you do not know, these are big red flags that your information has been stolen. If you are dealing with either situation, contact the IRS as soon as possible with a letter. The IRS will then contact you and help you take care of the situation.
For help filing your taxes and to ensure that they are filed properly, contact Phocus Companies in Phoenix, Arizona.
