Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

IRS Was Just Kidding When It Said Cyber Criminals Tried to Access Tax Return Information for 225,000 Households

It was quite a few more than that, actually:

The IRS reported in May that cyber crooks used stolen Social Security numbers and other data acquired elsewhere to try to gain unauthorized access to prior-year tax return information for about 225,000 U.S. households. That included about 114,000 successful attempts and 111,000 unsuccessful ones.

On Monday, the agency said its review showed that an additional 390,000 taxpayers were potentially affected. That includes about 220,000 additional households “where there were instances of possible or potential access” to prior-year return data, the IRS said in a statement. It also includes about 170,000 additional instances of “suspected attempts that failed to clear the authentication processes,” it added.

CPAs looking for a diversion from their own technology issues appreciate the Service's effort in this matter.

[WSJ]

Latest Accounting Jobs--Apply Now:

Have something to add to this story? Give us a shout by email, Twitter, or text/call the tipline at 202-505-8885. As always, all tips are anonymous.

Related articles

Hiring Watch ’23: The IRS Is Looking For a Few Good Tax Attorneys

With nearly $80 billion allotted over the next 10 years thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, the IRS is going on a hiring spree to improve its woeful customer service (to taxpayers and tax professionals alike) and technology; wade through the piles of individual, business, and amended paper tax returns that have accumulated over the […]

Your Naughty IRS Employee of the Day

Deena Vang Lee of Fresno, CA, was indicted in April 2019 and charged with wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, aiding and assisting in the preparation and presentation of false and fraudulent tax returns, and making and subscribing false and fraudulent tax returns. She was accused of preparing family and friends’ returns for a fee that […]