My public service announcement after speaking with tax accountant

[MLAA]

Just met with a new tax accountant and I wanted to share this advice:

*Anything that is mailed in will take much longer to process
*Do everything online if possible
*Get an ID Pin so that only you or your accountant with your pin can file a return. He has a client whose identity was stolen and now every year has to file an identity theft affidavit which is a manual process for the IRS. I followed all the steps including first getting a meID and uploading a picture Id (drivers license, passport, government issued picture ID). I did it by using my iPad but when it came time to click on a link they give you via text to upload and take. Selfie I used my iphone. You will be given a new pin each year. It took me about 10 mins to do it all. If you aren’t big on online transactions get someone you trust to help you if you want the protection.

https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin

My 2 cents:
*Once you have the meID and log into IRS.gov and make payments if you owe or if you do estimated payments. After I retired at first I mailed mine in, now I do it electronically.
*Do not keep your SS card in your wallet! I took my sister to the Dr recently and right there for all to see and possibly become a purse snatcher’s dream was her SS card. So, that with her Driver's license = Identity theft for the so inclined

Best wishes!

[Demovictory9]

1. Thx. I have the IRS.login

[MLAA]

3. Great, then all you need is the ID Pin if you want to be sure nobody can file under your name.

[FirstLight]

2. Identity theft...mah...what can they do?

If they wanna pay back my student loans, they're welcome to! LOL I know it's more serious than that, but I have always thought...nobody would WANT my identity!

[MLAA]

5. They can insure you have at least one date every year for the rest of your life...

with the IRS and they don’t have a reputation for being fun

[SWBTATTReg]

4. Thanks for the helpful information, I saved into my ongoing 'save tips' file. The not keeping the SS id in your wallet/

purse is a good one that I do need to heed too!

Another tip is to get a shredder, and shred everything w/ your name, your information of any sort too. I don't throw away anything w/ my name, etc. on it, instead I shred it.

[MLAA]

6. I've always had a shredder also. Then I got lazy after having burned out a couple shredders and

now I take a couple big bags a year to a UPS store. For $11 dollars they dump your bags (staples and all) into a special large container (that you can’t then retrieve from) right in front of you. Then periodically a large Iron Mountain truck arrives and empties said container into a large truck in front of the store.

Edited to correct grammar

[Mosby]

7. I got both of my refunds in less than a week

I use tax software and file electronically.

Love it.

[MLAA]

8. Which software do you use?

I do so much prep prior to acct meeting I should probably just file myself.

[Mosby]

10. H and R Block.

I download the software, don't use the online site. The software walks you thru everything.

[MLAA]

12. Thanks!

[D_Master81]

9. I prepare tax returns

As someone who does tax returns this is all solid advice. Mailing in is always way slower, probably 3X slower. Tax ID theft is rare but not unheard of so the PIN # is always good advice.

[MLAA]

13. Thanks for confirming. It carries weight coming from a preparer!

[Jersey Devil]

11. Several years ago someone filed under my name

I have used TurboTax to file for many years and one year the IRS would not accept my return because they said I had already filed. After investigation they agreed it was not me and issued a pin to me, which they have done automatically every year since.