10 Ways to Protect Your Personal Info During Tax Season

As the world rapidly changes and technology advances, it’s more important than ever to stay on top of your personal records and finances. We’ve gathered some of our favorite tips for keeping your information secure during the 2021 tax season and all year round. 

Use a secure online option. 

Instead of having your tax forms sent to you in the mail, utilize one of the many safe online alternatives available. This is a choice many financial firms, employers, and banks offer to help speed up the tax process and keep your documentation safe.

Keep an eye on your credit report.

Using a credit monitoring service can be beneficial for a number of reasons. If you didn’t receive a tax document you were expecting in the mail, or it appears to have been opened, this service will give you peace of mind. Stay vigilant and periodically review your report for fraudulent accounts and charges.

Consider a tax preparation service.

 Finding a trustworthy tax professional can save you from hassle and errors when filing your taxes. Be sure to inquire with them about how your personal details will be stored. It’s important that they’ll be able to keep your private information private. 

What’s the best way to mail in my taxes?

When it’s time to send in your taxes, doing so online will  be the quickest route. If you decide to mail them, instead, be sure to use certified mail so you can be notified when it arrives safely. 

The IRS said my return was rejected. What should I do?

If your tax return was rejected because someone has already submitted it under your name, you should take prompt action to resolve this. You’ll want to contact the IRS Identity Theft Central immediately. 

Keep your personal information up to date. 

If personal information, such as your address, is out of date… you risk not receiving important documentation. Keep your employers and banks informed of your current address. Remember to also notify any firms you have savings or loans with. They’ll be sending you important forms as well. 

Create a document checklist.

Before tax season begins, it may be a good idea to create a checklist of items you’re waiting on to complete your returns. If you maintain a good record, you should be able to keep track and see if anything is missing. 

Store your documents carefully.

Take precautions at home when it comes to document storage. Once you’ve received your records, keep them secure until it’s time to file. Handle your tax return paperwork with the same degree of caution. 

Keep track of due dates.

According to the IRS, W2s, 1098s and other income-related documents must be postmarked by January 31st. If you haven’t received them by the end of February, you should confirm whether or not they were sent. You’ll also want to ensure they were delivered to the correct address. 

Make sure you’re using strong passwords.

Using a simple password makes it easy for you, yes. But, it also makes it easier for potential thieves. It’s important to create a safe, strong password and keep it updated. Use special characters and combine letters with numbers to make your password as secure as possible.