Chris Schulz Published

West Virginians Reminded To Use Caution This Tax Season

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Consumers are being warned to be cautious and to protect personal information when preparing and filing their taxes. 

With the April 18 tax deadline just over a month away, Attorney General Patrick Morrisey is reminding West Virginians to be careful with sensitive data such as Social Security numbers, birth dates and bank accounts. They are at greater risk from scammers.

Individuals should be mindful of how they handle tax information and who processes tax-related documents on their behalf.

If working with a preparer, research them beforehand and ask for their Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) and check the IRS list.

When sending or submitting tax-related information, use a secure internet connection, and never file returns via publicly available WiFi.

Taxpayers who file through traditional mail should consider taking the mail to a local post office, as tax identity thieves have been known to steal tax documents from mailboxes.

Consumers can reduce the risk of fraud by filing their return well before the April 18 deadline. This gives thieves less time to file a false return since IRS records would show a filed return in the consumer’s name. 

Individuals and households who make $60,000 or less a year can also get free help preparing basic tax returns from the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs.

Consumers who believe they may be the victim of tax-related identity theft should contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Office at 800-368-8808, or file a complaint online at www.ago.wv.gov.