| Instead of a nice check from the IRS, you get a | | | | have to produce our proof of identification. How |
| notice stating that you've already claimed your | | | | do you keep your information private when you |
| tax refund for this year. Who got your tax | | | | practically have to wear it on your sleeve to get |
| refund if it wasn't you? The author explains and | | | | anything done? Here are the standard things that |
| offers some tips to help you prevent tax refund | | | | I have told you about previously that you should |
| identity theft. | | | | have already incorporated into your life: |
| Here is something that I just learned about and | | | | 1. Shred all information before throwing it away. |
| thought I would pass this on to you. Did you | | | | 2. Never use easily guessed passwords (your own |
| know that identity theft has hit the income tax | | | | name, your birthday, etc). Your password should |
| process? Thieves are taking your personal | | | | always contain letters, a number and even |
| information, filing a false tax return and getting | | | | symbols if they're allowed. |
| your refund! | | | | 3. Don't save your passwords in your computer. |
| How is this possible? You might assume that the | | | | 4. Don't leave your outgoing mail in your home's |
| thief would have to know everything about you, | | | | mailbox, bring it to a mailbox. |
| because tax returns aren't simple documents. | | | | Here are a few more tips that I haven't told you |
| There's dependent information, property taxes, | | | | about: |
| employer records, all kinds of information that we | | | | 1. When you are getting rid your old computer, it |
| all take great pains to make sure is correct. But, | | | | is not enough to delete your information, take the |
| these details aren't checked instantly for accuracy. | | | | time to have someone erase your information |
| You and I only make sure they're accurate in | | | | professionally. Another alternative is to destroy |
| case we're audited months or even years after | | | | the hard drive before selling or recycling your old |
| we file our returns. The person who steals your | | | | computer. |
| tax refund won't be waiting around for an audit. | | | | 2. When using a photocopier for your personal |
| Once he, or she, has your social security number | | | | information, make sure it doesn't have a memory |
| and the tax-id number of any company, (s)he | | | | drive to store copied images. You'll want to make |
| simply makes up the rest of the information. | | | | sure that you're walking away with the only copy |
| That's right, all that's needed to steal your refund | | | | of your documents. |
| is your social security number and a fake 1099 | | | | 3. Keep your financial records in a locked file |
| and/or W-2. The tax return doesn't even need a | | | | cabinet or a well hidden location. Many of us have |
| real return address. If the false tax information is | | | | housecleaners, repair people, and even |
| taken to a company that offers instant cash tax | | | | acquaintances coming in and out of our homes. |
| refunds, the thief can walk away with the money | | | | We can't watch them every second that they're |
| and simply disappear. | | | | there. They could be getting your personal |
| So what do you do about this? Make sure that | | | | information when you aren't watching. |
| your information is very difficult to get. I realize | | | | Last year alone, there were over 20,000 |
| that can be challenging. It's ironic, but the more | | | | complaints with the IRS that the wrong person |
| they warn about identity theft, the more we | | | | got their refund. Don't let this be you. |