Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week 2026: What You Need to Know to Stay Protected

Someone who assumes your identity for tax purposes does so to file a fraudulent return and pocket the refund. Unfortunately, you may not realize it happened until the IRS rejects your legitimate return as a duplicate filing. Scammers might even pretend to be the IRS, claiming you owe money and demanding payment via gift cards, prepaid debit cards, or wire transfers.

In the United States, roughly one-third of adults have been victims of identity theft. Identity thieves and IRS impostors are gearing up for tax season and targeting potential victims. Secure sensitive information and keep your refund where it belongs—by practicing these simple and smart habits.

Social Security Number Protection

Protect your Social Security Number throughout the year. Tax identity theft almost always involves a stolen Social Security Number since the IRS uses these numbers to identify taxpayers. To prevent identity theft: 

• Keep your Social Security card in a secure place at home and only provide your number when absolutely necessary.

• Review your Social Security Administration earnings statement annually to ensure all information is accurate.

• Consider enrolling in the IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) program, which provides a unique 6-digit code required to file your return. This makes it much harder for someone to file fraudulently using your Social Security Number. You can apply online through your IRS account or via Form 15227.

• If your Social Security Number becomes compromised, contact the IRS ID Theft Protection Specialized Unit at 800-908-4490 or visit IdentityTheft.gov.

Financial Documents and Credit Safety

Keep financial information private. Thieves who cannot hack your computer might still obtain sensitive data in other ways. Be wary of providing personal information over the phone or through the mail. And remember, the IRS will never contact you via email, social media, text, or phone requesting personal or financial information. They communicate only by U.S. mail.

Shred financial documents, such as tax documents, bank statements, bills, and receipts, before discarding them. These records can serve as trapdoors into your personal life. Also, reduce credit card solicitations and monitor your credit report at least once per year to detect unauthorized accounts. 

Online Safety

Shopping and using publicly accessible Wi-Fi come with risks that could expose your personal information. Take precautions by following these tips:

• Shop only on secure sites by checking that the web address starts with “HTTPS” and shows a padlock icon in your browser.

• Avoid online sellers that accept only cryptocurrency, gift cards, or money transfers through companies such as Western Union and MoneyGram.

• Do not use unsecured public Wi-Fi for financial transactions.

  Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication where possible.

• Keep security and antivirus software updated on all devices.

Fake Charities

Scammers often exploit your generosity, creating fake charities to collect donations and steal personal information. Verify any charity through the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search before giving. This helps protect both your money and your sensitive data.

Here to Help During Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week

Beat criminals to the punch by trusting a tax expert to manage your tax return from start to finish. If you have any questions, we are here to help. We build value-added relationships with each client to understand their business structure and provide solid solutions. Our approach offers direct access to the firm's decision-makers. Our innovative cross-functional services help businesses address the challenges ahead.