E-filing is safe my taxes? -
Many taxpayers are no strangers to file their taxes online (or e-filing). In fact, according to the IRS, the percentage of American taxpayers who file online increased from 52% in 2004 to 85% in 2014, and it is likely to be even higher this year. Electronic filing by all means is the new normal, but in the world of data breaches and identity theft, it is important to also make that e-filing is safe. We have some tips on how to ensure the security of your information that you e-file
electronic filing vs traditional deposit.? Which is safer
E-filing is much more secure than traditional deposit ways for a reason - mail leaves a visible trace of paper along which a long chain of eyes can see your information. There is also the simple sake of your return being lost in transit, misplaced or stolen. Since your name, address and the address of an IRS processing facility will be on the envelope you send, this is an invitation to those who would steal or tamper with mail. Since an envelope does not provide much security, some counties saw an increase in the number of haul flights during the tax season. In rare cases, mail carriers themselves could be crooks.
Another thing to note, with paper returns there is a chance that the IRS can make a mistake in reading your return, because it is usually written by hand, slowing down the process of return and increasing the time window that fraudsters must act. Finally, the IRS closed slowly paper processing plant because it grows electronic filing as the safest and fastest file. Support and resources to reduce paper statements, we do not know how the quality of this deposit method will be affected.
How to ensure the security of your electronic tax return
back paper have their flaws, but that does not mean the e-filing is impeccable. The IRS noted that identity fraud taxpayers has increased, as well as the adoption of electronic filing has increased over the last decade. A major advantage of electronic filing on traditional paper, however, is that there are more things you can do for yourself and protect your tax return. Here are some of those things:
1. Beware of phishing. Phishing is when a scammer gets their targeted victim with a fake site, e-mail, file or other type of content is designed to install malware on their device or steal their personal information. Victims are often subjected to such an attack by clicking on a malicious link in an email they received a crook. Phishing has made recurring appearances on the annual list of scams IRS "Dirty Dozen." Fortunately, there are two ways taxpayers can protect against phishing attacks.
First, recognize that the IRS does not contact someone by e-mail if you receive an email from someone claiming to be from the IRS, it is a scam. Then the question always the legitimacy of any email you receive a tax online service or any other person on your tax return, bill or refund. Scammers try to conceal their malicious e-mail as one of a reputable company, it is important that you do not just assume the email is legitimate and click on the link, as this may ask you some trouble. If you receive an email and are unsure of the authenticity, it is best to assume that it is a scam, open your browser and enter the URL trust yourself.
2. Ensure that your device software is up to date. Whenever you file taxes electronically, it is essential that you check that your device and all software has the latest firmware installed. This will reduce the likelihood that your system will be vulnerable to the current attacks known. To keep your applications updated, you can configure your device and applications to auto-update or check the settings page in your app store designated (Google Play, Apple, Windows, etc.), because you will determine if an update is available.
3. Whether using security software. Internet security software is an important tool to help ensure your own system is not tapped and provide data to scammers, especially since most online tax preparation services allow you to place using your browser. Although many browsers have built in defense of malware, it may not be enough to protect your sensitive tax information. As such, it is often best to turn to security software, which is designed to protect your personal information. Some even offer encrypted browsers you can use to file your taxes, you log into your online bank account and other activities that require the most protection. Once you have selected an Internet security program that meets your needs and your budget, you should remember to perform analyzes frequently so that you can ensure that your system is always clean.
4. Designate a device for all your financial transactions If you can manage it, with a single device -. Be it a laptop, tablet, laptop or desktop - you use exclusively for electronic filing, the bank and similar activities is a wise way to protect your financial information. The logic is simple: if you use one device to access these accounts, there are fewer opportunities for your information to get hacked. Although this is usually easier said than done, it is important to remember that if you use multiple devices to e-file, check the status of your return online banking or anything else, you must make sure not to allow your device to remember your passwords and always log out once you have finished using the site or application. If you have trouble remembering your passwords, you can get using a password manager.
5. Be aware of identity theft Although this is not a preventive measure, the investment in a protection service against identity theft in particularly during key periods of the year -. Such as tax season or when you get married or have children - could be useful, because these are the times when your paper trail increases and where you might fall into a evaders radar. Although these services can not prevent identity theft, they can help alert a violation or misuse of your information on the black market of the Internet, public records and credit reports so you can take appropriate measures to ensure your identity. Scams can be silent but deadly, and having such protections can alert you to potential fraud in the early stages before it wreaks havoc on your finances and identity.
Ultimately, no matter how you file your taxes, you will need to take many precautions, since it does not appear that scams targeting taxpayers will slow down anytime soon. Follow our blog preparing taxes for more information on electronic filing and stick with our protection against identity theft blog for cybersecurity advice.
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