The IRS is in the process of replacing Social Security numbers (SSNs) with two-dimensional bar codes on nearly all of its notices in an effort to slash identity theft, an official with the agency’s Governmental Liaison and Disclosure Division said June 11. IRS’s efforts are a part of a government-wide initiative to eliminate, where possible, the use of SSNs because the numbers are frequently linked to identity theft and other fraud. The IRS is also trying to prevent identity theft through the use of specific filters designed to detect refund fraud when a person uses another individual’s SSN. Taxpayers who have been or suspect they may be the victim of identity theft should notify IRS of the situation immediately and file Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit.
HLB Gross Collins
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