Montana! It’s Tax Season: Keep Your Data Safe & Your Refund Secure
Montana! It’s Tax Season: Keep Your Data Safe & Your Refund Secure
Howdy, Montana! It’s that time of year again—tax season. And, every tax season, cybercriminals get creative, trying to steal refunds and personal data. But we’re Montanans—we know a thing or two about staying sharp. Let’s talk about simple ways to outsmart tax fraudsters and make sure your refund ends up in your pocket, not a scammer’s.
First! Let’s File Early & Stay Ahead of the Scammers
Montana’s got a reputation for being ahead of the curve when it comes to self-reliance, and filing your taxes early is no exception.
Why? Because scammers love to file fake tax returns using stolen Social Security numbers—and they do it fast. If they file before you do, it can take months (or longer!) to fix. The sooner you file, the less likely someone else can claim your refund.
✅ Tip: Employers send out W-2s and 1099s by January 31. As soon as yours arrives, get your taxes filed!
Next! Use the IRS IP PIN for Extra Protection
The IRS has a little-known but powerful tool called the Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN).
🔒 This six-digit PIN locks down your tax return, meaning only you can file using your Social Security Number. Even if a scammer has your personal details, they can’t submit a fraudulent return without this PIN.
How to Get One:
Apply online at the IRS website
The PIN refreshes every year for added security
Be Sure To Watch for Tax Scams & Phishing Attempts
If someone calls claiming to be the IRS demanding money, take a deep breath—and hang up.
🚩 The IRS will NEVER:
❌ Call, email, or text first—they send letters in the mail
❌ Threaten to arrest you or revoke your Social Security benefits
❌ Ask for payments through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
These scammers are sneaky—they’ll send fake emails, set up phony tax preparation websites, or even pretend to be H&R Block or TurboTax. Always go directly to the official website (www.irs.gov) instead of clicking on links in emails.
✅ Tip: If you’re ever unsure about a suspicious IRS contact, call them directly at 1-800-829-1040 to verify.
Use Multifactor Authentication (MFA) on Tax Accounts
If you use online tax software, protect your login with multifactor authentication (MFA).
MFA means that even if someone steals your password, they still need a second layer of verification (like a fingerprint scan or a code sent to your phone).
✅ Where to Enable MFA:
Your IRS Account
TurboTax, H&R Block, and other tax software
Your bank accounts
Think of MFA as a deadbolt for your digital front door—the more barriers, the better.
You REALLY Need To Make Sure Your Tax Preparer is Cyber-Savvy
Not all tax preparers take cybersecurity seriously—so before you trust someone with your sensitive information, ask a few key questions:
🔹 Do you use encrypted portals for sharing documents?
🔹 Who has access to my tax info in your firm?
🔹 How do you store and back up sensitive records?
If they email you tax documents as attachments instead of using a secure portal, find someone else—it’s a security risk!
✅ Tip: If you’re working with a tax preparer in a small town or rural area, don’t assume cybersecurity isn’t important. Hackers don’t care where you live—if they get your info, they’ll use it.
Always Securely Exchange Tax Documents
Avoid sending W-2s, 1099s, or any tax-related documents through regular email. That’s like sending a postcard with your Social Security number written on it—easy for criminals to intercept.
Safer options:
Use a secure document-sharing portal
Encrypt your emails if you must send sensitive data
If mailing, use certified mail with tracking
✅ Tip: If you’re handing off tax documents in person, don’t just leave them in an unlocked mailbox—it’s too easy for identity thieves to grab.
Back Up Those Tax Records for Safety
It’s always smart to keep digital and physical copies of your tax documents—just in case you ever need them for verification or an audit.
📂 Best Practices:
Store digital copies in an encrypted cloud service or external hard drive
Keep printed copies in a secure location
The IRS suggests keeping tax records for at least three years—longer if you have a complicated return
Report Scams & Fraud Immediately
If you suspect tax fraud, report it ASAP to the proper authorities.
📢 Where to Report Tax Scams:
✅ Tip: If a scammer pretends to be a local tax preparer or bank, call the real office directly before taking any action.
Stay Cyber-Savvy This Tax Season, Montana!
Tax season is already stressful enough—don’t let cybercriminals make it worse.
By filing early, using strong authentication, and staying alert for scams, you can keep your tax return safe and avoid headaches down the road.
💡 Remember: The best cybersecurity isn’t just about technology—it’s about being aware and thinking ahead.
Stay safe and STAY VIGILANT!
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