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Massachusetts Department of Revenue

Protect Yourself Against Tax Identity Theft

The Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR) is here to help you protect your tax information.
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Overview

Most people think of identity theft as stolen bank account or credit card information. 

When it comes to tax fraud, identity thieves may use a taxpayer's Social Security number to get a job or file a fraudulent income tax return to get a refund.

The affected taxpayer will be alerted when he or she receives a bill or notice from DOR. Often, a victim of tax identity theft never lived or worked in Massachusetts. 

If you believe you are a victim of tax identity theft, contact DOR:

Learn about DOR's Fraud Prevention Program.

Your Social Security Number

Under Massachusetts law, DOR has the right to ask an individual to provide his or her Social Security number on a Massachusetts tax return.

DOR uses these numbers for:

  • Taxpayer identification
  • Forms processing.
  • Tax refund processing.

Although tax return information is generally confidential, DOR may legally disclose return information to:

  • Other taxing authorities  
  • Those authorized by law.

For more information about the confidentiality of tax information, visit:

Protect Your Personal Information

Identity thieves have many ways of stealing your personal information. To decrease your risk, you should:

  • Order a free copy of your credit report and
  • Check it for accuracy each year.

Keep personal information in a secure place in your home, including:

  • Social Security card
  • Birth certificates and
  • Anything else you may carry in a purse or wallet that has sensitive information.

Review all credit card and bank statements each month for any:

  • Unusual activity or
  • Unauthorized charges.

Unless you know for certain whom you’re dealing with, don’t provide personal information:

  • Over the phone
  • Through the mail or
  • Online.

Change your driver's license number from your Social Security number to a randomly assigned number. Visit the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles for more information. 

Choosing a Tax Preparer

Since preparers have access to your personal information, be sure you hire a reputable tax preparer. 

According to IRS, taxpayers should always avoid paid preparers who:

  • Claim they can obtain larger refunds than other preparers
  • Guarantee results or
  • Base fees on percentage of refund amount.

Although DOR cannot recommend a preparer, the following may provide guidance when you’re choosing a tax preparer:

Sole Proprietorships

If you’re the sole proprietor of a business, the IRS recommends:

  • Keeping your Social Security number private, for business purposes
  • Using an Employer Identification number instead of your Social Security number.

To apply for an Employer Identification number (EIN), visit the IRS.

Contact DOR

If you believe you are a victim of tax identity theft, contact DOR:

Learn about DOR's Fraud Prevention Program.

IRS Guidelines

IRS provides guidance on how you can protect yourself from tax fraud.

According to IRS, taxpayers should always avoid paid preparers who:

  • Claim they can obtain larger refunds than other preparers
  • Guarantee results or
  • Base fees on percentage of refund amount.

Instead of a Social Security number, IRS recommends sole proprietors use an Employer Identification (EIN) for business purposes.

To apply for an EIN, visit the IRS.

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