Warning Signs of Data Theft

From IRS.gov

Warning Signs of Data Theft

For Individuals:

• Unsolicited notices about IRS Online Account activities.

• Unexpected tax transcripts or incorrect balance due notices.

• Unexpected communication about refunds, calls, or emails.

• Receiving refunds without filing a tax return.

For Business Systems:

• Slow or unresponsive computer/network performance.

• Unauthorized cursor movements or account lockouts.

• Rejected client tax returns due to duplicate SSNs.

• Unexpected IRS authentication letters.

• More e-file acknowledgements than expected.

• Unauthorized transcripts or CAF number compromises.

• Notices regarding clients they do not represent.

Reporting Data Theft

1. Immediate Action:

• Report incidents to the local IRS stakeholder liaison.

• Contact the appropriate state tax agency via the Federation of Tax Administrators.

• Advise impacted clients to take protective measures, such as obtaining an identity protection PIN or filing Form 14039.

2. Resources:

• Visit the IRS’s Data Theft Information for Tax Professionals webpage for further guidance: IRS.gov