IRS Announces Safeguards to Protect Taxpayer Information

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued two news releases addressing new safeguards to protect taxpayers and strengthen authentication requirements. The electronic filing (e-File) PIN, an alternative signature verification tool used to assist with electronic tax filing, will no longer be available after suspicious activity was recently detected. Additionally, new requirements are in place to enhance validation for participants using the Income Verification Express Service (IVES), a service used to verify loan applicants' incomes.

Users and administrators are encouraged to review the IRS news releases e-File PIN and Steps to Strengthen IVES Program for details and refer to US-CERT Security Tip ST04-013 for information on protecting your privacy.