WWW.QNS.COM RIDGEWOOD TIMES FEBRUARY 21, 2019 15
Guard yourself against identity fraud this tax season
The 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 analyticsdriven
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. “These 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
after the filing 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
Identification Number (PTIN), or
who base their fee on a percentage
of your refund.
• Make sure your tax preparer
is willing to sign your return. The
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. They 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
***
The city’s Department of
Consumer Affairs also has helpful
tax advice. Before you file, visit
www.nyc.gov/dca.
TAX GUIDE
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