Taxpayer identity theft is alive and well. However, progress has been made in combating this crime. The IRS, state agencies and tax professionals urge taxpayers to protect themselves with an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN). This 6-digit number must be requested from the IRS and is renewed each year. The number must be entered on your tax return upon filing. The IRS explained that “the IP PIN serves as a critical defense against identity thieves,” who attempt to use your identity to file for a tax refund. You can get an IP PIN proactively rather than after being victimized, but you must first pass an identity verification process. Learn more and request an IP PIN here: https://bit.ly/3onPlRp
