Wagner Bill Protects Taxpayers from ID Theft

Press Release

Washington, D.C. -- Today, Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO-02) announced she introduced H.R. 4459, the Taxpayer Identity Theft Protection Act. This legislation would require the IRS to issue an identity protection personal identification number (IP PIN) to any individual taxpayer who requests one. This IP PIN would provide another level of security from identity theft as taxpayers submit their sensitive personal and financial information to the IRS.

"The Taxpayer Identity Theft Protection Act is commonsense legislation that puts Americans first, not the government, protecting taxpayers from identity theft and providing them with greater peace of mind as they file their taxes each year," said Congresswoman Wagner. "At a time when government trust is at an all-time low, Missouri families are already hesitant to share their sensitive personal and financial information. I strongly urge my colleagues in the House to take up and pass this legislation, to finally hold the IRS accountable and better protect taxpayers from cyberattacks and identity theft."

Background on HR 4459:This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to require the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to issue an identity protection personal identification number to an individual taxpayer who requests one, after the taxpayer's true identity has been established and verified, to prevent the misuse of the taxpayer's social security account number on fraudulent income tax returns. IRS must then publicize the availability of such identification numbers, including through electronic means. https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/4459/

GAO Report:A March 2016 report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office issued 43 detailed recommendations for the IRS to patch vulnerabilities in their security system and better protect taxpayers. The report found the IRS "has not effectively implemented elements of its information security program." Read the full report here: http://www.gao.gov/assets/680/676097.pdf

Extension on Tax Filing Deadline for MO Counties: In late January, the IRS reported that due to severe flooding, the deadline to file taxes would be extended until May 16, 2016, for several counties in the State of Missouri. Taxpayers in St. Louis County, St. Charles County and Jefferson County are all included in this extension period. https://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/IRS-Provides-Tax-Relief-to-Missouri-Storm-Victims-Tax-Deadline-Extended-to-May-16

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