IRS Warns Tax Professionals of Identity Theft Threats and Delays in Helping Victims

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is warning tax professionals to be on high alert as identity thieves target them and their clients. This warning comes in the wake of a report from the National Taxpayer Advocate highlighting long delays at the IRS in assisting identity theft victims.

IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel emphasized the importance of staying current on the latest security threats to protect both tax professionals and their clients. The IRS is partnering with the tax industry and state tax authorities in its annual “Protect Your Clients; Protect Yourself” campaign to combat tax-related identity theft.

The National Taxpayer Advocate’s midyear report to Congress revealed significant delays in the IRS’s assistance to identity theft victims, with some cases taking over 22 months to resolve. The IRS is working to raise awareness about the issue to prevent cybercriminals from accessing clients’ information.

The IRS and its Security Summit partners are urging tax professionals to maintain strong security measures and be prepared in case of a security incident. The upcoming Nationwide Tax Forum in Chicago on July 9 will provide further information on protecting against identity theft.

Tax professionals are advised to take special precautions to safeguard sensitive information and remain vigilant against scammers attempting to file fraudulent tax returns. The IRS and its partners are committed to protecting taxpayer information at both the state and federal levels.