Protecting your personal tax data is a top priority at Kakenmaster & Associates. As we approach the tax season, we would like to review a few ways that will help ensure the security of sensitive tax information.
Foremost, never email tax data. As many know, emails lack encryption, which makes data indecipherable to anyone except the intended recipient. Therefore, our office will not open attachments in emails from our tax clients. In addition, the IRS mandates that tax preparers take certain steps to maintain clients’ data securely.
The most secure way to provide data for your tax return is by submitting files through our secure online client portal. If you prefer to provide hard copies, these can be dropped off at our office, mailed, or faxed. If you are new to the portal, please contact our office to request a SecureFilePro Connect account.
The IRS requires us to maintain up to four years of tax data, which is why we are in the process of purging tax documents that are four years or older. Please also note that files uploaded to our secure online client portal are stored for 6 months and then automatically deleted. If you need a copy of your tax return from the last 4 years, please use the Request for Copies of Tax Return Form that is available on our website.
It’s imperative to remain vigilant in securing tax data. Please contact our office with any questions.