Stop Identity Theft at Your Tax Practice
Tax-related identity theft costs billions annually. Protect your clients and your practice with proven prevention strategies.
By the Numbers
What Identity Theft Prevention for Tax Professionals Covers
IP PIN Enrollment
Help clients obtain Identity Protection PINs from the IRS for an additional layer of filing security.
Fraud Detection Signals
Recognize red flags including duplicate SSNs, address changes, and suspicious refund requests.
Client Verification
Implement robust identity verification procedures before accepting new clients.
Staff Awareness Training
Train your team to spot social engineering attempts and fraudulent document submissions.
Secure Document Handling
Encrypted storage, secure shredding, and chain-of-custody procedures for sensitive documents.
Rapid Response Protocol
Pre-built response procedures for when identity theft affecting your clients is discovered.
How to Get Started
Verify Client Identity
Use multi-point verification for all new clients — photo ID, SSN validation, and prior year return comparison.
Secure All Data
Encrypt client files, use secure portals for document exchange, and implement access controls.
Monitor for Red Flags
Watch for rejected e-files, duplicate SSN alerts, and suspicious activity patterns.
Respond Immediately
If fraud is detected, file Form 14039, notify the client, and report to the IRS.
Protect Your Clients from Identity Theft
Our WISP template includes identity theft prevention procedures tailored for tax practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Criminals target tax pros because they have concentrated access to SSNs, financial data, and filing credentials. Phishing, stolen credentials, and insider threats are the primary attack vectors.
An IP PIN is a six-digit number assigned by the IRS that prevents someone else from filing a tax return using a taxpayer SSN. All taxpayers can now voluntarily opt in at irs.gov/ippin.
File Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) with the IRS, advise the client to request an IP PIN, submit a paper return, and report the incident to local law enforcement.
Require government-issued photo ID, validate SSN against prior year returns when possible, use knowledge-based authentication questions, and consider third-party identity verification services.
Protect your tax practice from cyber threats
Schedule a free consultation to assess your firm's security posture.