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Into Tax Write-Offs!
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Avoiding Identity Theft |
 Tips on how to minimize the risk of identity theft
this tax season:
Data on the Move Vehicle break-ins to steal items which can be used to commit identity theft is on the increase. When transferring tax documents between home and the accountant, make sure they are hidden from view, i.e. locked in the trunk, at all times.
Computer Security
If your computer is linked to the internet, be sure to regularly update firewall, anti-virus, and anti-spyware software. Sensitive documents should be kept on a computer with a password protected log-on. This computer should never be used by children or others who might install peer-to-peer software (Kazaa or Limewire) or expose the computer to unrestricted web browsing. These activities often result in security problems within days, if not hours.
E-Filing
While preparing your tax return for filing, make sure to use a strong password to protect the data file. Once your return has been e-filed, burn the file to a CD or flash drive and remove the personal information from your hard drive. Store the CD or flash drive in a lock box or safe.
Mail Theft Awareness
When mailing your tax documents, take them directly to the Post Office. Drop them in a box inside the Post Office. If you must use an outside Post Office pickup box, it's best to drop your mail before the last pick-up of the day. Don't leave tax documents in an outgoing mail box at work.
Tax Preparers and Personal Privacy
Be selective about who works on your taxes.
Avoid doing financial business in supermarkets, or other public concession booths, where others may hear or see your transaction. Those mini offices are not soundproof - and criminals have been observed using binoculars or shoulder surfing to gather information. Go some place where you have privacy.
Document Disposal
Put papers you no longer need through a cross-cut shredder. These include credit card receipts, other papers with Social Security Numbers (i.e. income reporting forms), financial statements, health benefit statements and loan documents. Do not store these documents intending to shred them at some future time. As soon as you determine the document is no longer needed, shred it!
Document Storage
When storing your tax returns and other sensitive financial documents, use a locking file cabinet or even better, a safe. Make sure you know who else has access to this storage.
Where to Go For More Information or Help:
Identity Theft Resource Center
orgwww.idtheftcenter.org |
Credit Report Start the year by pulling your free annual credit report.
Check for mistakes. Having mistakes on your credit report can cost you thousands of dollars a year in higher interest. www.annualcreditreport.com
Secure your computer, and protect your personal information.
OnGuardOnline.gov provides practical tips from the federal government and the technology industry to help you be on guard against phishing and internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information.
www.onguardonline.gov |
 What do I keep?
Keep for 1 month:
*Credit card receipts (after you've checked them against your statements)
*Withdrawal and deposit slips (toss after you have checked them against your monthly statement)
*Sales receipts for minor purchases
*Phone and utility bills
Keep for 1 year:
*Paycheck stubs (after they are reconciled with your annual W-2 or 1099)
*Mortgage statements
*Monthly bank, credit card, brokerage, mutual fund, and retirement account statements
Keep for 7 years:
*W-2 and 1099 forms
*Year-end statements from credit card companies
*Phone and utility bills if you deduct any portion for business, have more than one home, have moved within the past few years
*Cancelled checks and receipts/statement for: annual mortgage interest and property taxes, deductible business expenses, child-care bills, out of pocket medical costs, or any other tax-deductible expense
Keep indefinitely:
*Tax returns
*Real estate and residence records
*Home improvement records
*Receipts for major purchases
*Wills and trusts
*Year-end summaries from financial services companies
*Confirmation slips listing the purchase price of any investments you own
Keep in a safe deposit box:
*Birth and death certificates
*Marriage licenses
*Insurance policies
*Passport
*A copy of your will and trusts
*Note: These are guidelines. Check with your accountant to ensure these pertain to your finances.
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Buried in Paper?
Free Shred Event at Storables
Locations: 9140 SW Hall Blvd. Tigard & 105 NW 13th Ave. PortlandDate: March 6 Time: 10am to 2p m
Don't miss our FREE Seminar
"File It To Find It"
presented by Organizers NW
at the Hall Blvd. location at 10:00 AM
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Don't keep this news to yourself, be a hero and spread the joy of organization. Feel free to forward this on to anyone who could use a little organizing expertise. Check us out on the web at www.organizersnw.com. |
Happy Organizing,
Missy
Missy Gerber
Organizers Northwest
(503) 245-3564
OrganizersNW.com
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