We are all responsible for protecting customer data from theft. To provide guidance on data security, the IRS updated the Identity Theft for Tax Professionals webpage. For details, see our ?Protecting You and Your Clients from Fraud? attachment.

What?s new this filing season?

Fraudsters may try to infiltrate tax preparation company computer systems and change bank account information after you start a tax return but before it?s filed. Verify your client?s bank information on their return before sending it.

How can I prevent a data breach?

• Think twice before opening links in emails or responding to requests for information
• Make sure client data is always secure, including stored data
• Require strong passwords ? with letters, numbers, and symbols ? on all computers and tax software programs
• Use caution when granting remote access to your systems
• Safeguard your Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN)

What should I do if I suspect a data breach?

Alert the IRS and state agencies in every state you prepare returns.

To report a data breach to Revenue, call us at 651-296-3781 or 1-800-652-9094. We will review your clients? accounts to determine if the data breach affected their state tax filings.

If your clients experience identity theft, have them visit our Identity Theft and Tax Refund Fraud webpage to learn what they should do.?

How do I report tax evasion, fraud, or other tax crimes?

Visit our Tax Evasion and Fraud page to fill out a report or for our contact information. You may also report phishing and online scams to the IRS.

Will Revenue notify me if my client data was breached?

We may contact you if we suspect you or your clients have been victims of identity theft. If you are unsure if our contact is legitimate, call 651-556-3000 and ask for the person who contacted you.

Questions?

Contact us.

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