7 Tips to Protect Yourself from Tax Fraud in 2025 

Tax season is here, and while it’s never the most exciting time of year, one thing’s for sure: you don’t want to deal with the headache of tax fraud. Unfortunately, scammers are out there looking to steal your personal information and make some quick cash. But don’t worry—you can take a few simple steps to protect yourself. Here are seven easy tips to help you stay safe this tax season! 

Tax Tips:

1. File Your Taxes Early (Really Early) 

Here’s a pro tip: file your tax return as soon as you can! The earlier you file, the less chance there is for someone to file in your name and steal your refund. Plus, the quicker you file, the sooner you’ll get your money back. It’s a win-win! 

2. Don’t Use Public Wi-Fi for Taxes 

We all love a good coffee shop or airport Wi-Fi session, but when it comes to your taxes, public networks are a no-go. Hackers can use those open Wi-Fi networks to steal your personal info, and that’s the last thing you want during tax season. Stick to a secure, password-protected Wi-Fi network at home (or use a VPN if you’re out and about) to file safely. 

3. Choose Direct Deposit for Your Refund 

Why wait for a paper check in the mail when you can get your refund straight into your bank account? Direct deposit is not only quicker, but it’s safer. And if you choose direct deposit with your Arkansas Federal account, you can get your refund up to three whole weeks early.According to irs.gov, once IRS receives a correct return, most refunds are issued in less than 21 calendar days—sometimes sooner for those who file electronically and have direct deposit set up. Actual payment dates may vary and will take 4-6 weeks for those who file by paper. For details, visit https://www.irs.gov/refunds/tax-season-refund-frequently-asked-questions

4. Shred Your Old Tax Docs 

Once you’ve filed your taxes, tossing all those old papers in the trash is tempting, but stop and think before you do so. You should shred any documents with your Social Security number, income details, or other personal info. This helps keep identity thieves from snatching your sensitive data. That said, don’t shred everything just yet— keep tax returns and supporting documents in a safe place for at least the recommended period as outlined on the IRS website.

5. Watch Out for Phishing Scams 

Tax season means scammers are out in full force, and they love pretending to be the IRS. You might get an email, text or sometimes even a phone call claiming to be from them, asking for sensitive info. However, the IRS will never ask you for sensitive financial details through email, text, or phone call. They always send printed mail through the US Postal Service. If you get one of these shady text, email, or phone messages, ignore it and head straight to the official IRS website or give them a call to double-check if anything’s legit. 

6. Pick a Trusted Tax Preparer 

If you’re having someone else do your taxes, make sure you’re working with someone you trust. Look for a pro who knows what they’re doing and has good reviews. Don’t be afraid to ask friends or family for recommendations. And a good tax preparer won’t promise you a huge refund or ask you to lie on your return. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut and find someone else. 

7. Keep an Eye on Your Mail and Accounts 

Finally, make sure you stay on top of your accounts, especially during tax season. If you’re expecting a tax form, like a W-2 or 1099, and it doesn’t show up, reach out to the sender right away. It’s also smart to set up alerts on your bank accounts so you can catch suspicious transactions early. If something feels off, take action fast. 

A Few Extra Tips to Keep Things Extra Safe: 

Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

For an extra layer of security on your online accounts, turn on two-factor authentication. This way, even if someone gets your password, they won’t be able to access your account without the second code. 

Check Your Credit Reports

You can get a free credit report from each of the major credit bureaus once a year. It’s a good idea to check them regularly to catch any weird activity early. If you’re a member of Arkansas Federal, you can also sign up for Credit IQ, a free service that helps you monitor your credit score and alerts you to any changes. 

Update Your Passwords

Change your passwords every few months and make sure they’re strong! Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols to make them harder to crack. 

The Bottom Line 

Tax fraud can definitely sound intimidating, but if you keep these simple tips in mind, you’ll be one step ahead. File early, stay on top of things, and take a few extra steps to protect your info. With just a little bit of caution, you’ll sail through tax season without a hitch!