4 ms·

If I recall - a PIN number of some sort is already part of TurboTax's filing process. Wouldn't that alleviate much of this problem?

birken 12y ago
Yeah, it is a bit confusing. There are 2 types of PIN numbers. 1. The E-file PIN (5 digit PIN). This is the one most people use when they e-file. You either use a special IRS website or phone number to get it by verifying basic identification information about yourself. The problem is I believe all of this information is based on your 2013 tax return, so if a criminal has that, they can get your 5-digit PIN. This PIN is also delivered electronically, so there is no verification that the address information you enter is actually your address. So when you are worried about somebody having your 2013 tax return, you are really worried about them stealing your e-file 5-digit PIN number. 2. Then you have the 6-digit PIN, which is generally only given out in the case of proven identity theft (though it seems as part of a pilot program they are giving it out more often). This PIN is mailed to your current address on file with the IRS, and is a randomly generated 6-digit PIN number which changes every year. If you are signed up for this program, your tax return will only be accepted if it has the proper 6 digit PIN number. So if you have this, in order for somebody to fraudulently file a tax return under your name they'd have to steal your mail, which obviously is a lot harder. More details: https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2579455 https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2579455 http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Get-An-Identity-Protection-PIN http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Get-An-Identity-Protection-PI...
- tjl 12y ago
  In Canada, you get a unique code (for that year) physically mailed to your address from the 2013 return (unless you change addresses). If you change addresses in a tax year, you can't file electronically. It's not technically a PIN as there are letters in the code. Basically, we have a similar system to your second type.

birken 12y ago

Yeah, it is a bit confusing. There are 2 types of PIN numbers. 1. The E-file PIN (5 digit PIN). This is the one most people use when they e-file. You either use a special IRS website or phone number to get it by verifying basic identification information about yourself. The problem is I believe all of this information is based on your 2013 tax return, so if a criminal has that, they can get your 5-digit PIN. This PIN is also delivered electronically, so there is no verification that the address information you enter is actually your address. So when you are worried about somebody having your 2013 tax return, you are really worried about them stealing your e-file 5-digit PIN number. 2. Then you have the 6-digit PIN, which is generally only given out in the case of proven identity theft (though it seems as part of a pilot program they are giving it out more often). This PIN is mailed to your current address on file with the IRS, and is a randomly generated 6-digit PIN number which changes every year. If you are signed up for this program, your tax return will only be accepted if it has the proper 6 digit PIN number. So if you have this, in order for somebody to fraudulently file a tax return under your name they'd have to steal your mail, which obviously is a lot harder. More details: https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2579455 https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2579455 http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Get-An-Identity-Protection-PIN http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Get-An-Identity-Protection-PI...

tjl 12y ago
In Canada, you get a unique code (for that year) physically mailed to your address from the 2013 return (unless you change addresses). If you change addresses in a tax year, you can't file electronically. It's not technically a PIN as there are letters in the code. Basically, we have a similar system to your second type.