Tax Tips for Keeping Your Identity Safe

INDIANAPOLIS (March 15, 2016) – The Indiana Department of Revenue’s Identity Protection Program has stopped more than $2 million in tax refund fraud so far this tax season. Through the Identity Protection Program, the department aims to protect taxpayers’ identities and potential refunds and the state of Indiana from potential refund fraud.

With only a few weeks left in the tax season, it is important for taxpayers to continue taking necessary security measures to keep their identities safe.

Five Tips to Keep Your Identity Safe This Tax Season

• Store your personal information and financial documents in a safe place. Avoid carrying your Social Security card with you and keep financial documents in a secure location.
• Be aware of impersonators. Don’t give personal information over the phone, through the mail or on the Internet unless you are sure you know with whom you are dealing.
• Safely dispose of personal information. Shred receipts, bank statements, checks and other documents with personal information when you are done using them.
• Check your credit report annually. You can check your credit report every 12 months for free by contacting the three credit report agencies – Experian, Equifax and Trans Union.
• Protect your personal computers. Use firewalls and anti-spam/virus software and update security patches to keep your personal information safe online.

Hoosiers with questions about protecting their identities can visit the department’s Stop ID Theft website at www.in.gov/dor/4794.htm for answers to frequently asked questions, identity protection tips, a video and additional resources. Hoosiers also can sign up for the Attorney General’s ID Theft Protection Tool Kit at www.in.gov/attorneygeneral/2853.htm.

Taxpayers with questions about their individual income tax return may call the department at 317-232-2240.