The IRS, state tax agencies and the nation’s tax industry are partnering again for the ninth annual National Tax Security Week, December 2-6, 2024. This annual event highlights the importance of protecting sensitive financial information from identity theft and from tax scams, especially ahead of the holidays and the 2025 tax season.
Hosted by the Security Summit – a coalition of IRS, state tax agencies, tax software providers, tax professionals and others in the tax community – this week offers training materials and resources available 24 hours a day on IRS.gov to help taxpayers and tax professionals to safeguard personal and financial data.
Be careful with him phishing as part of online security
- Identity theft poses a serious threat to the records of businesses, partnerships, estates and trusts. Thieves can steal sensitive information to file a fraudulent tax return to get a refund or commit other crimes. All taxpayers must always be vigilant and on their guard. It is important to take effective security measures to protect your company and employee data.
Watch Day 4: Security Summit Urges Digital Security Update to Protect Businesses, Taxpayers from Identity Theft Scams
Find out how to protect your business with Identity theft information for businesses (in English).
- Cybercriminals target tax professionals because they are custodians of highly sensitive client data. They try to steal your customers’ personal financial information so they can create fraudulent tax returns and request fake refunds.
Watch Day 5: Tax professionals are urged to protect themselves from identity theft with an updated written information security protection plan
Beware of bad tax advice on social media
Social media can mislead you about eligibility for tax credits or refunds. Influencers might encourage you to create fake forms or connect you with scammers. They may argue that the IRS is maintaining secrecy about a tax credit.
Watch day two: IRS and Security Summit partners urge people to beware of misleading advice on social media
Learn to recognize scams and tax fraud.
Get an IP PIN and an IRS online account
- IRS and Security Summit partners encourage you to participate in the Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (PIN) program.
- An IRS IP PIN is a special six-digit number that helps prevent criminals from filing fraudulent federal tax returns or stealing refunds using your personal information. IP PINs are unique because only you and the IRS know them.
- The easiest and fastest way to get an IP PIN is to use Get an IP PIN, available from mid-January to mid-November.
Create an IRS tax account online. Your account is securely protected with multi-factor authentication. No one can see your account unless you allow it. You can monitor your tax account activity at any time.
Watch Day 3: Taxpayers should protect themselves from scammers with IRS Identity Protection PIN and Online Account
How you can help fight scams and schemes
Take steps to limit the damage and protect yourself from further losses if you lose money or personal information to a scammer.
Find out what you can do if you have been scammed to help fight or minimize damage.
Useful resources
- IRS and Security Summit partners announce the ninth National Tax Security Week beginning December 2
- Day 1: IRS warns of holiday scams and encourages protection of sensitive personal information as ninth annual National Tax Security Week begins
- Day 2: IRS and Security Summit partners urge people to beware of misleading advice on social media
- Day 3: Taxpayers should protect themselves from scammers with the IRS Identity Protection PIN, Online Account
- Day 4: Security Summit urges digital security upgrade to protect businesses and taxpayers from identity theft scams
- Day 5: Tax professionals are encouraged to protect themselves from identity theft with a written and updated information security protection plan
What are some effective ways to protect against identity theft and tax-related scams?
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- Visit the IRS Identity Theft webpage for more information on how to protect yourself against identity theft and scams.
- Contact your financial institutions to monitor your accounts and report any suspicious activity immediately.
- Use strong, unique passwords for online accounts and change them regularly.
- Stay informed about the latest scams and phishing attempts targeting taxpayers.