Safeguarding Taxpayer Information
Safeguarding taxpayer information is a top priority for the Internal Revenue Service. It is the responsibility of governments, businesses, organizations, and individuals that receive, maintain, share, transmit, or store taxpayers’ personal information. Taxpayer information is information furnished in any form or manner by or on behalf of taxpayers for preparation or filing of their returns. Authorized IRS e-file Providers must safeguard taxpayer information from unauthorized disclosure, use, and destruction.
Authorized IRS e-file Providers must have security systems in place to prevent unauthorized access by third parties to taxpayer accounts and personal information. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, codified at 15 U.S.C. §§ 6801-6827, and the implementing rules and regulations promulgated by the Federal Trade Commission include rules that are designed to ensure the security and privacy of taxpayer information and are applicable to Providers. Providers should become familiar with the Privacy and Security Rules and other important information regarding safeguarding personal information available at the FTC Web site.
Providers must implement security and privacy practices that are appropriate for the size, complexity, nature, and scope of their business activities. The IRS Publication 4600, Safeguarding Taxpayer Information Quick Reference Guide for Business, and Publication 4557, Safeguarding Taxpayer Data A Guide for Your Business, contain information to help non-governmental businesses, organizations, and individuals to understand and meet their responsibility to safeguard taxpayer information.
The IRS may set forth additional safeguarding requirements for Providers as it determines appropriate. The requirements will be included in revisions of appropriate e-file publications or published in associated e-file participation articles.
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