Friday, April 15, 2016

FYI: New Tax Scam Targeting Tax Professionals

 

FYI:  The Internal Revenue Service warns tax professionals of a new emerging scam in which cybercriminals obtain remote control of preparers’ computer systems, complete and file client tax returns and redirect refunds to thieves’ accounts.

Although the IRS knows of a handful of cases to date, this scam has potential to impact the filing of fraudulent returns is yet another example of tax professionals being targeted by identity theft criminals.

The IRS urges all tax preparers to take the following steps:

  • Run a security “deep scan” to search for viruses and malware;
  • Strengthen passwords for both computer access and software access; make sure your password is a minimum of 8 digits (more is better) with a mix of numbers, letters and special characters;
  • Be alert for phishing scams: do not click on links or open attachments from unknown senders;
  • Educate all staff members about the dangers of phishing scams in the form of emails, texts and calls;
  • Review any software that your employees use to remotely access your network and/or your IT support vendor uses to remotely troubleshoot technical problems and support your systems.

o   Remote access software is a potential target for bad actors to gain entry and take control of a machine.

 

Tax professionals should review Publication 4557, Safeguarding Taxpayer Data, A Guide for Your Business, which provides a checklist to help safeguard taxpayer information and enhance office security.

 

 

 

Jennifer Henrie-Brown, ID #1000247447

Stakeholder Liaison Specialist

Communications Stakeholder Outreach

Work cell phone:  510-926-0175

Jennifer.Henrie-Brown@irs.gov

IRS Video Portal
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FYI: IRS Tax Tip: The Health Care Law & Your Taxes: Last Minute Filing Tips

FYI:  IRS Health Care Tax Tip, “The Health Care Law and Your Taxes: Last Minute Filing Tips, makes three basic points for taxpayers who have not yet filed: 

1.     Just Check the Box (it’s easy and you may not really need more time to file),

2.     Apply for an Extension (if you can’t get your return done in time you must apply for an automatic extension) and

3.     Don’t Wait to File (an exemption doesn’t mean you should wait - file ASAP especially if you must reconcile advance payments of the premium tax credit received in 2015).

 

 

(Monday, April 18, 2016 is the tax filing deadline).

 

 

Jennifer Henrie-Brown, ID #1000247447

Stakeholder Liaison Specialist

Communications Stakeholder Outreach

Work cell phone:  510-926-0175

Jennifer.Henrie-Brown@irs.gov

IRS Video Portal
Follow us on Twitter, YouTube