I might have set a record for earliest person to do their taxes this year! I did my own taxes on Friday using an online service because my 2018 was pretty uneventful financially. I didn't have a new kid, I didn't move, I didn't buy any properties or "make bank" on investments. Things were pretty middle of the road for me.

I was able to look up all of my property tax information and mortgage interest using the internet--isn't the future great?!

I made sure to do my taxes early because I don't want to get hacked. You may think it sounds crazy but I've had my credit card information stolen three times in the last year-and-a-half. The cool thing about being the first person to file your taxes is that no one else can file on your behalf once you've done it...and, you'll get your return first--unless you're paying in. According to the IRS website, most people don't even realize they've been hacked until they try to e-file their taxes...and, it's a pain in the butt.

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Hackers use your socially security number to file a fake return on your behalf to collect a fraudulent refund. It's a mess! So, how do you protect yourself?

  • File early!!!!
  • Use strong passwords and use a firewall if you're e-filing or looking up personal information
  • Know that the IRS NEVER calls you...they will contact you through letters
  • Don't carry around your social security card and be careful to businesses and companies that you do give it to. Data breaches happen.

If you think you might be hacked contact the IRS immediately. You can send emails to phishing@irs.gov or call them at 1-800-366-4484. IRS impersonation scams should be reported to the Treasury Inspection General: IRS Impersonation Scams Reporting.

You have until Monday, April 15 to file your taxes without filing an extension!

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