Who hasn’t Been Hacked?
I posted the blog last weekend about renting out your home. I am so embarrassed. There was a typo in the subject of the email. Then, immediately after that I had to take a cyber security webinar to teach at Savannah Technical College. They mentioned that one of the indicators of spam is misspellings in an email.
This caused my decision for the topic of today’s short blog. IP pins.
Who lives in Savannah and has not been the victim of a breach of confidential information? There is a danger that your Social Security number has been leaked. If that happens someone could file a tax return in your name and receive a refund. This can cause you all kinds of headache, frustration, and lost time.
What is an IP Pin?
For several years the IRS has had Identity Protection pins available to GA residents, and they are now available to all taxpayers. Without this pin no one can file a return in your name with your Social Security number. Even you won’t be able to file your own return.
This is how it works. If you already have an account on the IRS website (www.irs.gov) you can get one very easily. Just put “IP pin” in the search box and follow the prompts to apply. If you do not have an account, you can still search for “IP pin” and it will take you to a page where you can set it up. This can take a little while. You will need to collect a few key documents before you start. There is a list on that page to help you out. What the IRS needs to do is verify you are who you say you are.
What if I have Problems?
Some people can set up an account with no trouble. Sometimes it takes a little more than can be done on the website and the IRS will mail you the “secret code” to get into your account. Make sure the IRS had your current address on file. If not, you will need to file a change of address Form 8822.
The Identity Protection pin is available on your IRS account, or they will mail it to you sometime in December or January in anticipation of filing your tax return. It will be a six-digit code that will need to be entered into the tax software in order for the IRS to accept your tax return.
You should receive a letter each year with a new pin. Keep this letter with your tax documents and remember to bring it all to the office to file your return.
As always, if you have questions, please call First City Income Tax & Business Services. 912-335-5404
If you have identity issues that pertain to taxes , or if you have any other tax issues (back taxes or missing returns) and would like to know if we can help, please give us a call. 912-335-5404