Hackers Given Access to IRS Computers?

Written by Richard A, Chapo


The Treasury Department inspector general has reported a distinct weakness inrepparttar security surroundingrepparttar 141392 IRS computer systems. Unlikerepparttar 141393 problems found with other security systems, this one is human.

The Treasury Department inspector general conducted a study to see if IRS employees could be manipulated into providing information that would compromise computer security. Treasury Department inspectors called IRS agents and managers posing as computer technicians. The inspectors toldrepparttar 141394 employees that they were trying to fix problems withrepparttar 141395 computer network platform. They then askedrepparttar 141396 employess to providerepparttar 141397 login and passwords for their administrative accounts. More than one-third ofrepparttar 141398 agents providedrepparttar 141399 information and even allowedrepparttar 141400 inspectors to changerepparttar 141401 passwords.

The IRS has rules in place that prohibit employees from divulging passwords. Despite these rules, employees gave several reasons for providingrepparttar 141402 information. Some said they were not suspicious of foul play while others wanted to be helpful torepparttar 141403 technicians. Some employees were suspicious, but were given permission to providerepparttar 141404 information byrepparttar 141405 managers in their departments.

How to Check the Status of Your Tax Refund Online

Written by Richard A. Chapo


So, you were pleasantly surprised to learn that you are getting a refund on your taxes. Congratulations! The question for most taxpayers expecting a return is, "Where is my refund?"

Check Your Refund Status Online

The easiest way to check on your refund is to askrepparttar IRS through IRS.gov. Onrepparttar 141391 home page ofrepparttar 141392 site, you will see a "Where's My Refund?" link. Usingrepparttar 141393 service is fairly easy. You will need a copy of your tax return to providerepparttar 141394 necessary information to getrepparttar 141395 status of your refund. Specifically, you need to provide your social security number, you tax filing status andrepparttar 141396 exact amount of your refund. The reasonrepparttar 141397 IRS requires all of this information is purely for security purposes, to wit,repparttar 141398 agency wants to make sure it is giving access only torepparttar 141399 taxpayer. Again, all of this information should be on your return. If it is not, something is very wrong!

Once you submitrepparttar 141400 required information,repparttar 141401 IRS will provide online results typically showing:

1. Thatrepparttar 141402 return was received and is in processing;

2. The expected mailing date or direct deposit date of your refund; or

3. Whether your refund could not be issued because of a delivery problem.

In some cases,repparttar 141403 results may alert you torepparttar 141404 fact thatrepparttar 141405 IRS is reviewing your tax return because of errors or questionable entries. In such a case, it is highly advised that you review your return with a qualified tax professional and make absolutely sure thatrepparttar 141406 return will stand up to scrutiny.

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