Protecting Your Identity During Tax Season

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Filing your taxes may not be your favorite task, but it’s an important one. It requires sharing some of your most sensitive personal information, making this season the prime time for scammers and identity thieves. Whether you file online, work with a tax professional, or do it yourself, knowing how to spot scams and protect your identity can help you avoid costly headaches and keep your finances on track. As your trusted financial partner, we’re here to provide the best tips for protecting your identity during tax season.

Why Tax Season Poses Higher Risk

Identity thieves thrive on access to information, and tax season provides exactly that. W-2s, 1099s, Social Security numbers, employee details, and bank account information are all in circulation at once. If a scammer can obtain even one of these pieces of data, they can attempt to:

• File a fraudulent tax return using your identity
• Steal your tax refund
• Access your financial accounts
• Open new credit cards or loans in your name

According to the IRS, thousands of taxpayers fall victim to tax-related identity theft each year, resulting in delayed refunds, lengthy resolution processes, and significant stress. Recognizing how scammers operate is the first step in stopping them.

Spot the Most Common Tax Scams

Fraud evolves every year, but these are the scams most likely to appear during tax season:

• IRS Imposter Calls: Scammers may call pretending to be IRS agents, claiming you owe taxes and threatening arrest, legal action, or wage garnishment unless you pay immediately. Please know that the IRS will never initiate contact via phone, text, or social media, and they will not demand payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
• Phishing Emails and Texts: Scammers send emails that look like they’re from the IRS, tax software companies, or even your employer. They may contain links to fake websites designed to steal your login credentials or personal data. Be aware of poor grammar, urgent language, or unexpected attachments. These are often indications of phishing scams.
• Fraudulent Tax Preparers: Some fake or unqualified preparers set up shop during tax season. They may inflate refunds, steal your personal information, or take a portion of your refund without your knowledge. If the preparer bases their fee on a percentage of your refund or won’t sign the return as the preparer, you are most likely dealing with a scammer.
• W-2 Scams: Cybercriminals sometimes target payroll departments, requesting employee W-2 information by pretending to be a company executive. Watch out for red flags such as unexpected emails requesting bulk employee data.

Steps You Can Take to Protect Yourself

There are several steps you can take to protect yourself and your personal information from scammers this tax season.

• File Early – One of the easiest ways to prevent fraudulent filling is to file your taxes as early as possible. If a scammer tries to submit a return under your name after you’ve already filed, the IRS will flag it.
• Keep Personal Documents Secure – Whether you’re gathering printed forms or downloading digital versions:
  • Store physical documents in a locked drawer or safe.
  • Never leave tax documents in your car or visible in your home.
  • Store electronic documents on password-protected devices, not shared computers.
• Strengthen Your Digital Security – With more people choosing to file taxes online, digital safety is essential.
  • Use unique passwords that contain a mix of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters.
  • Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on tax software and email accounts.
  • Avoid doing taxes over public Wi-Fi.
  • Update your device software before you file.
• Verify All Requests for Information – If you receive a suspicious call, email, or text claiming to be from the IRS or another financial institution, do not respond. Instead, contact the organization directly using a verified phone number. Remember, the IRS does not communicate via text or email about refunds, bills, or personal information requests.
• Choose a Trustworthy Tax Preparer – Your tax preparer has access to the most sensitive details in your life, so it’s important to choose wisely. If you hire someone to prepare your tax return:
  • Look for a preparer with a Preparer Tax identification Number (PTIN).
  • Ask about their credentials and experience.
  • Confirm their filing fees upfront.
  • Ensure they will sign your return as the preparer.
• Shred What You Don’t Need – Once you finish filing, shred any documents you no longer need, especially anything with your Social Security number, income details, or employer information. Dumpster diving is still one of the easiest ways thieves steal identity data.
• Monitor Your Accounts and Credit – Increased vigilance during tax season can help you spot suspicious activity quickly. Regularly monitoring your accounts can help you identify fraud early before it escalates.
  • Check your banking accounts regularly.
  • Review credit card transactions for unusual purchases.
  • Use account alerts to stay informed of activity. With the Robins Financial Cards App, you can easily establish alerts based on transaction amount and type for your current Robins Financial debit and credit cards, adding an extra layer of protection to your accounts.
  • Take advantage of free credit report checks each year.

What to Do If Your Suspect Tax Identity Theft

If you or someone you know believe that someone has filed a return using your information or you receive a notice from the IRS you didn’t expect, it’s important to act immediately.

• Contact the IRS using the number on the notice.
• File IRS Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit.
• Continue to file your taxes, even if it’s a paper return.
• Notify your financial institution and consider placing fraud alerts or a credit freeze with the credit bureaus.
• Report phishing attempts to the IRS.

The Bottom Line

Tax season doesn’t have to be stressful. By staying aware of common scams, securing your personal information, and monitoring your accounts, you can protect your identity and file with confidence.

At Robins Financial, safeguarding your financial well-being is our top priority. From credit monitoring tools to alerts and identity protection resources, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

• Tune into our YouTube channel to view our Scams and Fraud playlist and better protect your information.
• Visit our website for more safety tips or to report possible fraud.
• Read our other blogs on tips to protect yourself during tax season.

For more information on recent tax scams, how to protect yourself, and how to report them, visit the IRS website.

Read our other blog articles to help you gain the financial knowledge you need to succeed.