Tag Archives: IdentityTheft

A Better Idea on Identity Theft

As I wrote yesterday, the IRS announced new rules on tax professionals regarding electronic filing. Based on my reading of these rules, the IRS should expect a significant increase in paper-filed returns. Why? Because the new rules likely violate state … Continue reading

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Yes, Mom, I Need to See Your ID

UPDATE: The IRS released a new version of Publication 1345 on November 18th that clarified that a Form 8878 or 8879 signed in ink and hand delivered, faxed, mailed, emailed, or uploaded via a web portal is not an electronic … Continue reading

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Speaking of Transcripts…

Last week I wrote about the possible elimination of the ability for tax professionals to request transcripts through the Practitioner Priority Service beginning tomorrow (Monday, January 27th). I have not received confirmation of this, nor have I received any official … Continue reading

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The Death of the Death Master File (Sort of)

I’ve been complaining about the Death Master File for some time. This is a wonderful tool for identity thieves, allowing them to get all the details for an individual who has gone to the great beyond. As Jason Dinesen noted, … Continue reading

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Bank Notice on IRS Tax Refund Fraud

The IRS has been making noises that they are more aggressively pursuing identity theft and tax refund fraud. My bank (Bank of the West) sent me a notice on these issues. (I assume it was sent to all Bank of … Continue reading

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The Wrong Kind of Education Leads to ClubFed

A California tax preparer decided he wanted to increase refunds for his clients. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that–I want my clients to get the maximum possible refund allowed under the law. It appears that Kenyon Williams forgot those last … Continue reading

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Thanksgiving Evasion

While I had a great Thanksgiving, the individuals I’m highlighting below had a bit less to be thankful for. The first story highlights an indirect result of a traffic ticket while the second spotlights recurrent attempts at defrauding the IRS … Continue reading

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