Every time you file a federal tax return, you hand over extremely sensitive personal information—including your Social Security number, income, dependents, employer information, and even your banking details for direct deposit.
The IRS uses industrial-grade security, but cybercriminals and refund thieves are constantly finding new ways to target taxpayers directly. The smartest thing you can do this tax season is take your own security seriously.
Here’s exactly how to protect your tax return information before, during, and after filing.
Your tax return includes data that criminals want most:
Unlike credit cards, this information cannot easily be replaced if it’s stolen—and it can be used to commit identity theft for years.
People assume the IRS is the weak point—but most refund fraud doesn’t come from IRS hacks at all. Instead, thieves steal information from:
Once criminals have enough of your info, they can file a fake return before you do.
Before tax season even begins:
Stops criminals from opening new accounts in your name.
Especially if your personal data has ever been exposed.
Never prepare taxes on public internet.
Keep them on a protected computer only.
If you have an IRS Online Account:
If someone gains access to your IRS account, they can view transcripts, past returns, and sensitive identity information.
The Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is one of the most powerful ways to stop refund fraud.
A PIN:
Only taxpayers with the correct annual PIN can file successfully.
Anyone in the U.S. can now opt-in—it is no longer limited to confirmed identity theft victims.
Tax documents include:
These documents should never be:
Physical documents are a major target for identity thieves.
The IRS will NOT:
Criminals impersonate the IRS every year to steal identity information.
Even after filing, security matters:
And if your refund status suddenly changes, stalls unusually long, or says “identity verification required,” contact the IRS right away.
Signs of identity problems include:
If any of this happens:
Protecting your tax return information is not just about trusting IRS systems—it’s about protecting your personal information everywhere.
Together, these steps stop most refund thieves before they ever get close to your refund.
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