IRS Enhances Security of Online ID Verification Process

The Internal Revenue Service has improved its identity verification and sign-in process to enable more people to securely access and use IRS online tools and applications. Taxpayers using the new mobile-friendly verification procedure can gain entry to existing IRS online services such as the Child Tax Credit Update Portal Online Account Get Transcript Online Get… Continue reading IRS Enhances Security of Online ID Verification Process

We Cannot Provide any Information about your Refund

When you check your tax refund status at IRS.gov or on the IRS2GO app you may get a refund status from the IRS Where’s My Refund? site telling you “We are sorry, we cannot provide any information about your refund.” There may be something wrong with the tax return you filed and the information on… Continue reading We Cannot Provide any Information about your Refund

Steps to Take If Your Identity Is Stolen

A recent study confirmed that over 16 million people were the victims of identity theft in the span of one year in America alone, which resulted in $16.8 billion in stolen money. Identity theft is dangerous to your wallet and to your credit. Identity thieves use your information to take out loans, obtain credit cards, make purchases,… Continue reading Steps to Take If Your Identity Is Stolen

Significant Delays of Legitimate Tax Refunds

I thought it would be a good idea to discuss an issue that affects many taxpayer returns, namely the IRS processes for identifying and stopping refund fraud. Attempted refund fraud has become a significant problem in our tax system. According to the most recent figures available, in the calendar year (CY) 2016, identity theft (IDT),… Continue reading Significant Delays of Legitimate Tax Refunds

Taxpayer Protection Program (TPP)

The IRS established the Taxpayer Protection Program (TPP) to proactively identify and prevent the processing of identity theft tax returns and assist taxpayers whose identities are used to file such returns. However, as part of the TPP process to identify potential identity theft returns, many legitimate taxpayer returns are also selected. When this happens, it… Continue reading Taxpayer Protection Program (TPP)

How Many People Had to Verify Identity?

Identity verification letters are mailed through the U.S. Postal Service to the address on the tax return. The notice will require the taxpayers to verify their identities in order for the IRS to complete the processing of the tax return. One of the following letters will be sent to the taxpayer advising them to contact… Continue reading How Many People Had to Verify Identity?

IRS 5071C ID Verify Letter

What Is an IRS Letter 5071C? If the IRS suspects that a tax return with your name on it is potentially the result of identity theft, the agency will send you a special letter, called a 5071C Letter. This letter is to notify you that the agency received a tax return with your name and… Continue reading IRS 5071C ID Verify Letter

How New Security Safeguards will Affect You for 2017

How will the new safeguards affect me? The goal at the IRS is to verify your identity and the validity of your return before the return is accepted for processing. We’ve been working with state tax agencies and the tax industry to strengthen safeguards that protect you from identity theft. The 2017 safeguards are aimed… Continue reading How New Security Safeguards will Affect You for 2017