It’s tax time once again, and if you’re relying on online systems or an in-person tax professional to help you out with your annual return, here’s your friendly reminder to be safe with your sensitive documents in order to keep information out of the hands of scammers who will want a piece of your tax return (just about three-quarters of all Americans get a refund).
Onondaga Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has a look at four ways you can protect yourself as you prepare to file your tax return.
- Protect Your Social Security Number
Some online tax fraudsters will use Social Security numbers to try and create fake tax returns that they can then claim. Because of this, protect your Social Security number at all costs. Leave your card at home, don’t carry anything that lists your full number, and be very careful of who you give it out to.
- Create Strong Passwords
Don’t use obvious clues for your passwords, especially ones that contain your financial information. Stay away from birthdays and anything else that someone could figure out, change your passwords regularly, and don’t store them on work computers.
- Beware of Phishing Scams
Know that the IRS will never request financial or personal information via email or over the phone. The IRS always sends letters through the mail. Any threatening emails or phone calls regarding tax issues from the IRS are always fraudulent. Do not click links in those emails, and do not give any information over the phone.
- Safely Dispose of Financial Records
Old bank statements, receipts, and tax documents should be shredded when you are disposing of them. Do not just throw them whole in the garbage. If you don’t have a shredder, be sure to rip them enough so that no personal information can be attained from them.
To learn more about Onondaga Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit https://onondaga-falls-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org/.
