Ncpe Fellowship



Data Theft Information for Tax ProfessionalsAll tax professionals should be aware that they, too, are targets of cybercriminals seeking access to client data in order to file fraudulent tax returns for refunds. Are you prepared? Protect your clients and protect yourself by taking a few critical steps.The IRS recommends tax professionals use Publication 4557, Safeguarding Taxpayer Data, as a guide for conducting a review of your current security measures and to create or update your security plan. It is critical you assess your current security precautions and address any weaknesses.The IRS also recommends tax professionals create an action plan to outline the steps you would take in the event of a data theft. This will save valuable time should the worst occur.The “Protect Your Clients; Protect Yourself” campaign to raise awareness among tax professionals is an initiative of the Security Summit, a joint project by the IRS, states and the tax community to combat identity theft. Because of the sensitive client data held by tax professionals, cybercriminals increasingly are targeting the tax preparation community. All tax professionals must take appropriate steps to protect their clients’ data and protect their businesses.IMPORTANT: Always use robust security software for all computers and devices, and routinely perform deep scans often to identify any malware/virus infections. Use strong password to access computers and client files. Learn to recognize and avoid phishing email schemes.Should you experience a data compromise – whether by cybercriminals, theft or accident – there are certain basic steps you should take. For a comprehensive list of security actions, consult a security professional.Preliminary steps include:Contacting the IRS and law enforcement:Internal Revenue Service, report client data theft to your local stakeholder liaison. Liaisons will notify IRS Criminal Investigation and others within the agency on your behalf. Speed is critical. If reported quickly, the IRS can take steps to block fraudulent returns in your clients’ names. Federal Bureau of Investigation, your local office. Secret Service, your local office (if directed). Local police – To file a police report on the data breach. Contacting states in which you prepare state returns:State Tax Agencies for each state in which you prepare returns State Attorneys General? for each state in which you prepare returns.? Most states require that the attorney general be notified of data breaches.? This notification process may involve multiple offices. Contacting experts:Security expert – to determine the cause and scope of the breach, to stop the breach and to prevent further breaches from occurring. Insurance company – to report the breach and to check if your insurance policy covers data breach mitigation expenses Contacting clients and other services:Federal Trade Commission If you would like more individualized guidance, you may contact the FTC at idt-brt@ Credit / ID theft protection agency- certain states require offering credit monitoring / ID theft protection to victims of ID theft. Credit bureaus – to notify them if there is a compromise and clients may seek their services. Equifax Credit Information Services - Consumer Fraud DivisionP.O. Box 105496Atlanta, Georgia 30348-5496Tel: (800) 997-2493 ExperianP.O. Box 2104Allen, Texas 75013-2104Tel: (888) EXPERIAN (397-3742) Trans Union Fraud Victim Assistance Dept.P.O. Box 390Springfield, PA 19064-0390Tel: (800) 680-7289 Clients – Send an individual letter to all victims to inform them of the breach but work with law enforcement on timing. (Clients should complete IRS Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, only if they receive a notice/letter from the IRS or their e-filed return is rejected because of a duplicate Social Security number.) IRS toll-free assisters cannot accept third-party notification of tax-related identity theft. Again, preparers should use their local IRS Stakeholder Liaison. Other resources:Publication 4557, Safeguarding Taxpayer DataSecurity Summit InitiativeIdentity Theft Information for Tax PreparersIdentity Protection: Prevention, Detection and Victim AssistanceFact Sheet 2015-24, Tax Return Preparers: Data Thefts and Protecting Client Tax Information? ................
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