Small Business Taxes & Management

Special Report


Taxpayers Must Validate Identity When Calling the IRS

 

Small Business Taxes & ManagementTM--Copyright 2018, A/N Group, Inc.

 

The IRS is reminding taxpayers and tax professionals that they will be asked to verify their identities if they call the IRS. This is part of the agency’s efforts to keep taxpayer data secure from identity thieves.

Days before and after Presidents Day mark the peak period for taxpayer phone calls to the IRS. To avoid the rush, callers should be prepared to verify their identities if they need to call the agency.

IRS call center professionals take great care to make certain that they only discuss personal information with the taxpayer or someone the taxpayer authorizes to speak on their behalf. To ensure that taxpayers do not have to call back, the IRS reminds taxpayers to have the following documents ready:

By law, IRS assistors will only speak with the taxpayer or to their legally designated representative. If taxpayers or tax professionals are calling about a third party’s account, they should be prepared to verify their identities and provide information about the third party they are representing. Before calling about a third-party, be sure to have the following information available:

Questions regarding a deceased taxpayer require different steps. Be prepared to fax:

Answers to general tax questions may be found on IRS.gov. The quickest way to check the status of a tax refund is to go to "Where’s My Refund?" or call 800-829-1954 for automated phone service.

 


Copyright 2018 by A/N Group, Inc. This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is distributed with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional service. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. The information is not necessarily a complete summary of all materials on the subject. Copyright is not claimed on material from U.S. Government sources.--ISSN 1089-1536


Return to Home Page

--Last Update 02/15/18