24 THE QUEENS COURIER • MARCH 17, 2022 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM
tax guide
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Here’s how you can guard yourself
against identity theft this tax season
Th e New York State Department of
Taxation and Finance shared important
tips to help New York taxpayers guard
against identity theft and prevent related
tax fraud.
Scam artists are continually altering
their tactics to steal sensitive information
used in their fraud schemes.
“While the Tax Department constantly
adjusts its analytics-driven processing
systems to stop schemes as they emerge,
it’s vital that taxpayers take precautions
to protect the personal information these
criminals rely on,” said Acting Commissioner
Nonie Manion. “Th ese tips can help
you avoid being victimized by identity
thieves.”
Tips to prevent identity
theft and fraud
• File promptly. Filing your tax return as
soon as possible can reduce the likelihood
that an identity thief will be able to claim
a fraudulent tax refund using your stolen
information.
• Protect data and documents used to
prepare your return. Keep sensitive personal
information and documents safe during
and aft er the fi ling process, and delete
or shred once no longer needed.
• If you hire a tax preparer, do your
research to ensure they’re competent and
ethical. Avoid preparers who boast that
they can obtain refunds larger than their
competitors can, who don’t provide you
with their IRS Preparer Tax Identifi cation
Number (PTIN), or who base their fee on
a percentage of your refund.
• Make sure your tax preparer is willing
to sign your return. Th e preparer must also
provide you with a copy of your return.
• Carefully review your return. You’re
responsible for the return’s accuracy. If
you hire a paid preparer, never sign a blank
return.
Report it
If you are a victim, or believe you may
be a potential victim of tax-related identity
theft , alert the NYS Department of
Taxation and Finance immediately. Th ey
will track your information to help keep
it private and protected. Visit the Tax
Department’s Report fraud, scams, and
identity theft webpage, tax.ny.gov.
From the NYS Department
of Taxation and Finance
Louis Carino Year
Round
Service
TAX ACCOUNTANT- FINANCIAL PLANNER
"Over 25 Years Of Personalized Service"
• Preparation of all business
& personal returns
• Bookkeeping & payroll
services available
• E-file provider
• Legal Counsel available
Tel. (718) 767-6597
Cell. (917) 373-5975
taxes@loucarino.com
166-26 Powells Cove Blvd. • Ste 4D • Beechhurst, NY 11357
/tax.ny.gov
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