Taxpayers can now instantly get tax info on Instagram

Taxpayers can now get tax tips and helpful news from the IRS on Instagram. The agency just debuted it’s official Instagram account, IRSNews, which users can access at www.instagram.com/irsnews or on their smartphone using the Instagram app.

Last year’s tax reform law brought many tax law changes that will affect virtually every taxpayer. The IRS Instagram account will share taxpayer-friendly information to help people better understand these changes.

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Here’s how tax preparers can protect themselves and their clients

Cybercriminals are stepping up their attacks on tax professionals. Because of this, the IRS urges tax preparers to take steps to protect client data and their computer networks from these threats.

Thieves search for client data so they can create a fraudulent tax return that looks legit and might bypass IRS filters. They also impersonate tax professionals, using stolen Electronic Filing Identification Numbers, Preparer Tax Identification Numbers, and Centralized Authorization File numbers.

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Tips for tax preparers on how to create a data security plan

IRS Tax Tip 2018-151, September 27, 2018

The IRS reminds tax preparers that protecting taxpayer information isn’t just good for their clients and good for business – it’s also the law. The Federal Trade Commission’s Safeguards Rule requires that tax preparers create and enact security plans.

Although the IRS and its partners in the Security Summit are making progress against tax-related identity theft, cybercriminals continue to evolve. In fact, data thefts at tax professionals’ offices are on the rise. Thieves use stolen data from tax preparers to create fraudulent returns that are harder to detect.

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Strong passwords help protect accounts against cybercriminals

 

The IRS urges everyone with any type of online account to review new, stronger standards to protect their passwords. Doing so will help protect against savvy cybercriminals who wants to access people’s accounts and steal their identities.

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IRS.gov has many resources for tax preparers

IRS.gov has many resources for tax preparers

As 2018 comes to a close, tax professionals around the country are getting ready for the 2019 tax filing season. Many of them will have questions, and many of these questions can be answered on IRS.gov. Here is a rundown of the tools and resources available on IRS.gov that will help tax preparers be prepared for 2019:

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