Minimize Identity Theft & Fraud
A SUGGESTION – MINIMIZE CONNECTION TO THE INTERNET
A great deal of ID theft is accomplished by hacking into computers connected to the Internet via all sorts of schemes developed by ID thieves. Tax practitioners are targets because of the client data contained on their computers. One way to minimize exposure is to have one computer dedicated to only processing tax returns and then only connect to the Internet for the short periods when you are downloading software or e-filing. All other times work off line. Have another computer you use for other purposes.
To minimize the risk of identity theft and identity fraud impacting your federal taxes, the IRS suggests limiting your connection to the internet.
In today's virtual world, however, this may not be possible for many taxpayers. If you must maintain an internet connection on your desktop and mobile devices at almost all times, use proper security measures like strong passwords.