Most people I talk to about their IRS problem have already built the worst-case scenario in their head. The reality is usually much more manageable. I'm Darrin Mish, and I've been representing taxpayers before the IRS for 32 years. Here's what actually tends to happen.
In a startling development, the IRS has revealed that its online “Get Transcript” service which allows taxpayers to obtain previous copies of their tax submissions, has been hacked by sophisticated identity thieves who stole more than 100,000 records of names and Social Security numbers before the crime was discovered. These identity thieves managed to bypass the security screen that requires the name, Social Security number, date of birth, tax filing status and street address before accessing the vital database of taxpayers information.
In commenting on this incident, IRS Commissioner John Koskinen said, “We’re confident that these are not amateurs, These actually are organized crime syndicates that not only we but everybody in the financial industry are dealing with.” It is believed that the syndicate targeted the IRS service between February and mid-May. Koskinen said that the IRS was alerted when its technicians noticed an unusual spike in requests for previous transcripts of tax submissions over this period. The “Get Transcript” service since been temporarily shut down. However, taxpayers can still obtain transcripts by mail.
Criminal investigation has been launched and is ongoing. Read more about this IRS Breach where data of more than 100,000 taxpayers was accessed.
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