Filing your taxes online can be a convenient and efficient way to get them done, but it's important to be aware of the potential risks. For example, online filing potentially opens your personal information up to exposure in a data breach, which is when someone gains unauthorized access to your personal or financial information and uses it against you. 

While the risk of a data breach is a concern when filing your taxes online, it's important to remember that it is possible to file your taxes safely. By taking some simple precautions, you can protect your information and reduce your risk of becoming a victim of tax-related identity theft.  

So, let’s go over some tips to help you file your taxes online safely. Whether you're a first-time filer or an experienced pro, these tips can help you file your taxes with confidence.

1. Get an IP PIN 

One way to help protect your online tax filing is by getting an IP PIN. An IP PIN is a six-digit code that the IRS assigns to you to help prevent someone else from filing a tax return in your name. You can request an IP PIN by going to the IRS website and following the instructions.

2. Install security software 

Another important step to take when filing your taxes online is to make sure you have security software installed on your computer. This can include antivirus software, firewall protection, and malware protection. These types of software help to protect your computer from viruses, malware, and other cyber threats that could potentially steal your personal and financial information.

3. Avoid public Wi-Fi

When filing your taxes online, it's best to avoid using public Wi-Fi, such as the Wi-Fi at a coffee shop or airport. Public Wi-Fi is generally less secure than a private home or office Wi-Fi network, so it's easier for hackers to intercept your information. If you do need to use public Wi-Fi, make sure to use a virtual private network (VPN) to help protect your information.

4. Use a VPN 

Speaking of VPNs, using a VPN is another great way to protect your information when filing your taxes online. A VPN creates a secure, encrypted connection between your computer and the internet, making it more difficult for hackers to intercept your information. There are many VPNs available, so be sure to do some research to find one that best fits your needs.

5. Back up your data 

It's always a good idea to back up your important data, including your tax documents and information. This way, if something were to happen to your computer, you'll have a copy of your data to fall back on. There are many options for backing up your data, including external hard drives, cloud storage, and USB drives.

6. Create strong passwords 

Another important step to take when filing your taxes online is to create strong passwords for your accounts. A strong password is one that is difficult for someone else to guess and includes a combination of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters. It's also a good idea to use a different password for each of your accounts to help protect your information.

7. Use two-factor authentication 

In addition to using strong passwords, be sure to use two-factor authentication whenever possible. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of protection by requiring you to enter a code that is sent to your phone or email in addition to your password when logging in to an account. This helps ensure that only you can access your accounts. 

8. Make sure the website is secure 

When filing your taxes online, it's important to make sure you're using a secure website. Look for the "https" at the beginning of the web address, as well as a padlock icon, to show that the website is secure. This means that the website is using a secure sockets layer (SSL) or transport layer security (TLS) to encrypt the connection between your computer and the website, helping to protect your information.

9. Don't click on suspicious links or download attachments 

Be cautious of any links or attachments that you're not familiar with. These could potentially be phishing scams designed to steal your information. Phishing scams often take the form of emails or websites that appear legitimate but which are actually designed to trick you into giving away your personal or financial information. If you receive an email or see a link that looks suspicious, it's best to err on the side of caution and not click on it or download any attachments.

10. Beware of unsolicited contact from the IRS 

The IRS generally contacts people by mail, not by phone or email. If you receive a phone call or email claiming to be from the IRS, be cautious. The IRS will never call or email to ask for personal or financial information, or to demand immediate payment. If you receive a suspicious call, SMS, or email claiming to be from the IRS, hang up or delete it. If you're concerned that the contact might be legitimate, you can contact the IRS directly to verify the information. 

So, to recap: Remember to get an IP PIN, install security software, avoid public Wi-Fi, use a VPN, back up your data, create strong passwords, and use two-factor authentication. By taking these steps, you can file your taxes online safely and with confidence. 

Filing your taxes doesn't have to be a stressful experience – with a little bit of planning and preparation, you can get your taxes done quickly and safely.