As the deadline for filing income tax returns nears, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has issued guidance to help residents file their taxes safely and avoid identity theft. Raoul emphasizes the importance of protecting personal information during this period.
"Unfortunately, bad actors stand ready to take advantage of consumers during tax season," Raoul stated. "The best way to prevent fraud from taking place is to protect your personal information. I am encouraging people to access free resources to help them make informed choices as we approach the tax filing deadline."
With April 15 marking the final day for most taxpayers to submit their returns, Raoul advises vigilance against scam tax preparers and recommends a thorough review of documents before signing. He suggests seeking assistance from reputable sources like the Taxpayer Advocate Service provided by the IRS and checking qualifications through the IRS Free File Online Lookup Tool.
Raoul warns that scammers can misuse electronic signatures on tax documents and consent forms, leading to unjustified charges or high fees. He encourages individuals to ask questions if they are uncertain about any aspect of their tax preparation process.
Protecting personal information is crucial, as scammers may use it to file fraudulent returns and claim refunds owed to consumers. Victims often remain unaware until they receive a notice from the IRS about a duplicate return. In such cases, contacting the IRS immediately is advised.
Raoul offers several tips for avoiding tax identity theft:
- Research thoroughly before choosing a tax preparer.
- Protect your Social Security number (SSN) by only sharing it when necessary.
- Apply for an Identity Protection PIN from the IRS.
- Report suspicious communications claiming association with the IRS.
- Verify contact details on any correspondence purportedly from the IRS.
- Report unsolicited emails claiming affiliation with IRS services.
Tax professionals are also cautioned against remote transactions with potential clients who may introduce malware through attachments or URLs, compromising client data security. Raoul stresses that these professionals have a duty to safeguard taxpayer data by securing their networks according to IRS guidelines.
Complaints regarding tax preparers or refund anticipation products can be directed to the Attorney General’s website or Consumer Fraud hotlines in Chicago, Springfield, and Carbondale.