IRS Pin Pilot Continues In Georgia, Florida And The District Of Columbia

According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), all taxpayers who filed federal income tax returns last year from Florida, Georgia, and District of Columbia are now eligible to obtain an identity protection pin (IP PIN) to help protect from tax-related identity theft.

Stopping identity theft and refund fraud is a top priority at the IRS.  The IP PIN is a six-digit number that must be used to file your tax return  whether the return is electronically filed or mailed to the IRS.  Once a taxpayer obtains an IP PIN, they must use an IP PIN for all future year filings.

To register for the program,  visit www.irs.gov/getanippin and create an account.  You will get an IP PIN immediately.  This IP PIN must be used for your tax return filing for the current year only.  You will receive a new IP PIN by mail each year.  It is not required that each taxpayer opt in to the IP PIN program.  It is the decision of each taxpayer whether they wish to obtain an IP PIN for tax return filings.  It is highly recommended if you live in Florida, Georgia & District of Columbia.

The 5 digit PIN you use to sign your electronically filed income tax return is not the same as an IP PIN.  This 6 digit IP PIN is strictly for validating the identity of a taxpayer.  You must give your 6 digit IP PIN to your tax preparer.  This IP PIN is included on your income tax return in order to electronically file your income tax return

There are numerous schemes and scams in the Identity theft world.  Please remember:  “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is”.

-Karyl H. Neal, CPA/PFS

 

Moore, Ellrich & Neal is a full-service accounting firm offering a comprehensive range of business and personal accounting services. The main office is located at 11025 R.C.A. Center Drive in Palm Beach Gardens. For information or to schedule an appointment, call (561) 624-0355, visit www.ssjgcpa.com, or email Karen.Moore@mencpa.com.

Karyl Neal is a University of Florida graduate in practice locally since 1986. She specializes in tax preparation and planning and manages the tax department at our firm. Karyl is an active member of the AICPA’s Tax Division, Technology Division and Financial Planning Division.  Karyl is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Karyl is an Advisory Board Member of the Dwyer High School Finance Academy and mentors one academy student interested in the accounting field every summer. She is the Past Finance Director of Baseball for the Jupiter/Tequesta Athletic Association and is a past Treasurer for the Comprehensive AIDS Program of Palm Beach County, Inc.

Karyl lives in Jupiter with her husband and two children.