IR-2022-144, August 2, 2022
WASHINGTON — With identity thieves continuing to target the tax community, Internal Revenue Service Security Summit partners today urged tax professionals to learn the signs of data theft so they can react quickly to protect clients.
The IRS, state tax agencies and the tax industry – working together as the Security Summit – reminded tax professionals that they should contact the IRS immediately when there's an identity theft issue while also contacting insurance or cybersecurity experts to assist them with determining the cause and extent of the loss.
"Tax pros must be vigilant to protect their systems from identity thieves who continue to look for ways to steal data," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "Practitioners can take simple steps to remain on the lookout for signs of data and identity theft. It's critical for tax pros to watch out for these details and to quickly take action when tell-tale signs emerge. This can be critical to protect their business as well as their clients against identity theft."
This is the third in a summer series of five Security Summit news releases aimed at raising awareness among tax professionals about data security. The special Protect Your Client; Protect Yourself campaign is designed to help protect against tax-related identity theft by increasing attention on basic security steps that tax professionals and others should take to protect sensitive information.
One common concern the IRS hears from tax professionals is that they did not immediately recognize the signs of data theft.
Summit partners are urging tax professionals to watch out for these critical signs:
Tax professionals should also watch for warning signs when clients report they've received:
These are just a few examples. Tax pros should ensure they have the highest security possible and react quickly if they sense or see something amiss.
If the tax pro or their firm are the victim of data theft, immediately:
Liaisons will notify IRS Criminal Investigation and others within the agency on the practitioner's behalf. Speed is critical. If reported quickly, the IRS can take steps to block fraudulent returns in the clients' names and will assist tax pros through the process.
Get information on how to report victim information to the states. Most states require that the state attorney general be notified of data breaches. This notification process may involve multiple offices.
Find more information at Data Theft Information for Tax Professionals.