IRS issues fresh warning to US taxpayers: ‘Sensitive’ data now at risk. Act before mid-November to protect your refund
For financial necessity into a bureaucratic ordeal.
The IRS is encouraging taxpayers to take proactive measures to safeguard their personal data, including one specific action that should be completed before a critical mid-November deadline.
Protecting sensitive financial information is essential to preventing unauthorized users from accessing confidential tax and IRS online services, said Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano.
He added that those precautions can help taxpayers “protect themselves from bad actors.”
Tax-related identity theft happens when a criminal utilizes your Social Security number to submit a fake return to claim a fraudulent refund. According to the IRS, your tax account is especially at risk when stolen data includes both your Social Security number and financial details, such as wage information.
Furthermore, clearing up a suspicious return can create a significant barrier between you and your funds.
The IRS notes that its Taxpayer Protection Program may issue a letter requesting that you verify your identity and return details. The agency is unable to process the return or release the refund until you provide a response.
Take this step before mid-November
The IRS provides a complimentary tool to assist in your protection: an Identity Protection PIN, or IP PIN.
This six-digit code assists the agency in verifying your identity and stopping others from filing a federal return using your Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number.
You are eligible to request one from the IRS even if you are not obligated to file a return. For those intending to file early in 2027, the IRS advises taking action before its online PIN portal goes offline for annual maintenance in mid-November. The system typically resumes operations in mid-January.
