TIGTA Says IRS May Have Compromised Personal Information of Millions

November 18, 2016

The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) issued a report yesterday (drafted in October) stating that the personally identifiable information of around 28.2 million taxpayers was potentially compromised because IRS staff improperly included it in unencrypted emails. This violated IRC section 6103 and the Internal Revenue Manual. Wilfully disclosing such information of such information can subject government employees to employment termination and a potential felony conviction.

To read the report and TIGTA's recommendations, click here.

This is a good reminder also that tax preparers must also guard this information or be subject to penalties or criminal liability under IRC sections 6713 and 7216.

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