The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR), along with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), other states’ revenue departments and the entire tax industry, has intensified its efforts to battle identity theft-related tax fraud. While identity thieves are constantly changing their tactics, the states, industry and the IRS are taking new steps to battle this issue. If you live in or near Springfield, IL, please consult with our experts at JLW Tax & Bookkeeping Services for quality support and thorough answers to all your questions. Please read this blog for guidance and contact our team with further concerns.
What is Tax-Related Identity Theft?
In general, identity theft happens when someone takes your name and personal information (like your social security number) and uses it without your permission to do things like open new accounts, use your existing accounts, or obtain medical services. According to the Internal Revenue Service, tax-related identity fraud occurs when someone uses your Social Security number to file a tax return claiming a fraudulent refund. You may be unaware this has happened until you file your return and discover a return already has been filed using your SSN, or the IRS/Illinois Department of Revenue may send you a letter saying we have identified a suspicious return using your SSN. In these cases, JLW Tax & Bookkeeping Services can help. Rely on us to professionally file your taxes every season and have the peace of mind of knowing your private information is protected.
What is the Department Doing to Prevent Identity Theft & Fraud?
The Illinois Department of Revenue has partnered with the Internal Revenue Service, the Federation of Tax Administrators, other state revenue agencies, industry partners, financial institutions and the preparer community in the fight against identity theft. These collaboration efforts have brought about a process to recognize suspected Identity Theft returns quickly. Taxpayers meeting the possible identity theft criteria will be issued a letter requesting verification of their identity. The verification process is simple and can be completed on MyTax Illinois in minutes. This streamlined process should result in faster processing times and refunds being issued more quickly than in the past.
The Department has established an email account dedicated to identity theft. Should you, your business, or your clients become victims of identity theft, you may report it to us at REV.IdentityTheftAffidavit@Illinois.gov.
The Department is highly committed to identity theft protection and the continuation of our partnerships with the Internal Revenue Service, other state agencies and the Security Summit Working Groups to streamline and expedite our processes while protecting our taxpayers.
How Do I Report Identity Theft?
The Attorney General’s Office created the first-ever Illinois Identity Theft Hotline. The hotline provides Illinoisans who have been victimized by identity theft with one-on-one assistance as they work to report the incident to financial institutions and local law enforcement, repair their credit, and prevent future problems. If you have been the victim of identity fraud or believe your personal or financial information may have been compromised, please call the toll-free Identity Theft Hotline at 1-866-999-5630. Individuals with hearing or speech disabilities can reach us by using the 7-1-1 relay service. You can also report online at IdentityTheft.gov or contact the National Credit Bureaus to request fraud alerts and credit/account freezes. It’s also a good idea to reach out to your bank, credit card issuers, or other places where you have accounts.
How Can I Protect Myself Against Identity Theft?
You can help fight cybercriminals by following simple guidelines to protect your personal information and tax data online.
- Use security software with firewall and anti-virus protections.
- Use automatic updates.
- Encrypt your tax returns and other sensitive data.
- Use strong passwords.
- Beware of phishing emails. Are you expecting a message from your bank or tax software company to update your account? A link may take you to a fake website that is designed to steal your log-on information. The attachment you open may include a program that allows a thief to get into your sensitive files.
- Beware of phone scams. If you get a call from an aggressive or belligerent person who says you will be sued or jailed if you don’t make an immediate payment, know this: that person is a fraud. Clever criminals pose as trusted organizations. IDOR will generally contact you by mail before you ever receive a phone call. And remember – if you need to make sure a call is legitimate, you can always hang up and then dial us yourself.
- Protect your personal information. Treat your Social Security number, your driver’s license number and other personal data as you would cash – don’t leave it lying around.
- Don’t overshare on social media.
- Hire professional tax consultants like our experts at JLW Tax & Bookkeeping Services to handle your yearly taxes and add another layer of security and peace of mind.
We encourage you to visit the IRS identity theft webpage for additional information about tax-related identity theft.
Contact JLW Tax & Bookkeeping Services Today!
In the face of the serious and unsettling issue of identity theft, finding a trustworthy ally is paramount. That’s where JLW Tax & Bookkeeping Services in Springfield, IL, comes in. Dealing with identity fraud requires a delicate touch and a team of experts who understand the nuances of the situation. Restoring your identity and reclaiming your peace of mind demands a level of expertise that JLW Tax & Bookkeeping Services is known for. Our commitment to professionalism, coupled with a genuine understanding of the fear and frustration that accompanies identity theft, makes us the go-to choice for assistance. Don’t face this challenge alone; call our team today at 217.679.1872 and let our experts guide you toward resolution and recovery. Your peace of mind is our priority.
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