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The IRS, in partnership with Security Summit members, has announced the launch of the
9th Annual National Tax Security Awareness Week, scheduled for December 2–6, 2024. This initiative aims to raise awareness among taxpayers and tax professionals about the importance of safeguarding sensitive financial information from identity theft and tax scams, particularly as the holiday season and the 2025 tax filing season approach.
The Security Summit is a coalition that includes the IRS, state tax agencies, tax software providers, tax professionals, and other stakeholders in the tax community. Since its formation in 2015, the Summit has worked to strengthen protections against tax-related identity theft and to educate the public about security threats.
With the holiday shopping season in full swing and the upcoming tax season on the horizon, the Security Summit partners are urging taxpayers and tax professionals to take extra precautions to protect their personal and financial data. The holiday period sees an increase in scams, including phishing emails, smishing (text message phishing), and fake social media schemes, all of which are designed to trick people into revealing sensitive information. Criminals often use this stolen data to file fraudulent tax returns and steal refunds.
“We are entering a critical period where extra vigilance is needed to protect sensitive information,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “Scams and schemes are constantly evolving, and taxpayers must stay alert during the holidays and throughout the tax season to avoid falling victim. By staying informed about the risks, taxpayers can protect themselves and help strengthen efforts to combat identity theft and fraud.”
The Security Summit’s work has had a significant impact on preventing fraud, helping to protect millions of taxpayers and save billions of dollars. However, as the Summit has fortified its systems, criminals have become more focused on stealing taxpayer data directly from individuals, businesses, and tax professionals in order to bypass these defenses.
National Tax Security Awareness Week features a series of educational activities aimed at helping taxpayers and tax professionals defend against identity theft and other scams. The week will highlight common threats, including fraudulent schemes circulating on social media. Key components of the campaign include:
Daily press releases and Tax Tips focusing on specific issues related to protecting against identity theft and scams.
Social media updates on platforms like X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, using the hashtag #TaxSecurity.
Access to educational resources, such as e-posters and IRS publications, to share throughout the filing season.
Dozens of information-sharing events conducted by IRS Stakeholder Liaisons with local tax professional groups and community organizations.
The IRS and Security Summit partners remain focused on addressing the increasingly sophisticated tactics used by identity thieves. Many of these scammers impersonate the IRS and other trusted institutions via fake emails, texts, and online scams. Others exploit current events or fake charitable causes to deceive people into revealing their financial information.
This year, the Coalition Against Scam and Scheme Threats (CASST) will also ramp up its efforts, particularly around tax season, to counter the spread of misleading tax advice and fraudulent information.
“National Tax Security Awareness Week is an important reminder of the ongoing threats against taxpayers’ sensitive information,” said Sharonne Bonardi, Executive Director of the Federation of Tax Administrators. “State tax agencies are committed to proactively detecting and preventing fraud, and this week provides critical information to help protect taxpayers and the broader tax system.”
One key tool for protecting against identity theft is the Identity Theft Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC), a resource created by the IRS and its partners to better identify and counter fraudsters. As scammers continue to target tax professionals who manage sensitive taxpayer data, it’s crucial for both individuals and professionals to remain vigilant.
Julie Magee, Tax Policy Lead for Cash App Taxes and one of the original Security Summit participants, emphasized the importance of these ongoing efforts. “Identity theft remains a significant threat, and the information shared during this week will help empower taxpayers and tax professionals to protect themselves year-round.”
While National Tax Security Awareness Week is a focused campaign, security awareness is a year-round priority. The 2024 initiative is designed to give taxpayers a head start in protecting their information as the 2025 tax season approaches.
Highlights of National Tax Security Awareness Week 2024:
Monday: Cyber Monday – Beware of Phishing and Online SafetyThe Summit will highlight common online scams during the holiday shopping season, including phishing and fake delivery notifications. Tips for safe online shopping include ensuring websites are secure (https), avoiding public Wi-Fi for transactions, and keeping devices protected with updated security software.
Tuesday: Don't Fall for Social Media ScamsThe IRS and Security Summit partners will warn about the rise of fraudulent tax information circulating on social media. Common scams include false claims about self-employment tax credits, household employee tax deductions, and the fuel tax credit. The IRS also highlights the dangers of manipulated income information and false tax deductions.
Wednesday: Protect Your Identity with an IP PINThe IRS will remind taxpayers to sign up for the Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) program, which adds an extra layer of security to tax returns. More than 10 million taxpayers already use an IP PIN, which must be renewed annually.
Thursday: Update Digital Security for Businesses and CustomersThe Security Summit will provide advice for businesses and tax professionals on protecting sensitive client data from cybercriminals. Steps include regularly updating security software, using strong passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, and encrypting devices.
Friday: Tax Professionals – Heightened Awareness RequiredTax professionals are prime targets for identity thieves due to their access to sensitive taxpayer information. The IRS will emphasize the importance of creating and maintaining a Written Information Security Plan (WISP) and encourage tax pros to use multi-factor authentication and report any security breaches to the FTC.
For additional resources and information, visit the IRS’s Security Summit webpage and learn more about preventing tax-related identity theft.
