Tax season is underway, which unfortunately means an increased risk of identity theft. Criminals will attempt to steal your tax return by filing with your stolen personal information. While complete protection from identity theft isn’t guaranteed, proactive steps can significantly reduce your risk this tax season, helping to keep your personal and financial information safe.
One crucial preventative measure is setting up Identity Protection PINs with both the federal IRS and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. These IP PINs add an extra layer of security to your tax filings. This prevents someone else from filing a tax return in your name, even if they have your personal information. You can access these services at irs.gov and revenue.wi.gov.
Here are some additional tips to further safeguard your information:
- File early and securely. Identity thieves can’t steal your tax return if you file first.
- Stow sensitive data carefully. If you complete any tax paperwork as a digital file, back it up and then delete it from your device after submission (and ensure it’s no longer in your Recycle Bin or other holding location).
- Shred documents that are no longer needed. This includes bills, bank statements, receipts, medical information, credit card offers, or anything else that contains personal or financial data.
- Protect your mail. Use a mailbox lock, a Post Office Box, and the USPS Hold Mail® service. Consider stopping pre-approved credit card mail offers at OptOutPrescreen.com or by calling (888) 567-8688, as these can contain sensitive information.
- Place a security freeze on your credit reports by contacting each of the three major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) directly.
If you do experience tax-related identity theft despite these precautions, take these steps immediately:
- Contact the Wisconsin Department of Revenue as soon as possible at 608-266-2772 or [email protected].
- Report it to the IRS at IdentityTheft.gov.
Additional information and resources are available at irs.gov. Proactive security measures and immediate reporting are essential to protecting yourself from tax-related identity theft.
