Your Friends that Count

Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week offers important information

fraudIdentity thieves are on the prowl in today’s growing world of social network sites and online forums.  Even conscientious consumers are becoming victims at a higher rate.  Identity theft continues to be the highest reported consumer crime to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and has been for 15 consecutive years.  Furthermore, identity theft topped the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) list of tax scams for 2016.  The IRS continues to aggressively pursue the criminals that file fraudulent returns using someone else’s Social Security number.

“These staggering statistics should be an alarm to taxpayers and legislators alike to increase awareness and protection from this crippling crime,” said John Kasperek, Jr., President of John Kasperek Co., Inc., a Certified Public Accounting Firm in Calumet City, Illinois.  “Our firm is re-emphasizing to our clients this year to act with extreme caution, especially with protection of Social Security Numbers.”

Learn more about what you can do to protect yourself against tax-related identity theft and IRS scams through February 3rd during Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week (TITAW). Check out free webinars and other events provided by the FTC, IRS, the National Association of Tax Professionals, Identity Theft Resource Center, Department of Veterans Affairs and more.

The IRS encourages at minimum, these basic steps for protecting your data:

  • Always use security software with firewall and anti-virus protections. Use strong passwords.
  • Learn to recognize and avoid phishing emails, threatening calls and texts from thieves posing as legitimate organizations such as your bank, credit card companies and even the IRS.
  • Do not click on links or download attachments from unknown or suspicious emails.
  • Protect your personal data. Don’t routinely carry your Social Security card, and make sure your tax records are secure.

“At the very least, make sure you and members of your household are aware of the fraudulent phone and email phishing scams,” added Kasperek. “These scams ranked two and three on the IRS list of tax scams for 2016.”

If you believe you are at risk of identity theft due to lost or stolen personal information, contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490.  You may also report instances of IRS-related phishing attempts and fraud to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 1-800-366-4484.

As always, these statements reflect the opinions of John Kasperek Co., Inc. and you should consult your attorney and/or tax professional to best determine how the law affects your unique situation.

Avoid Unnecessary Penalties for Your Non-Profit
PATH Act Impact on Taxpayers in 2017
Comment for this post has been locked by admin.
 

By accepting you will be accessing a service provided by a third-party external to https://www.kasperekcpa.com/

  • Our Clients

    Our Clients

    Our client list at John Kasperek Co., Inc. features a wide range of significant audit work including local governments, townships, school districts, municipal pension funds, not-for-profit organizations and common interest real estate associations. In addition, we also serve a variety of small business S-Corporations, Partnerships and individuals.

    We are happy to provide contact information for referrals upon request. Here is a sample of our client list.

  • Our Staff

    Our Staff

    Our team at John Kasperek Co., Inc., Certified Public Accountants is dedicated to providing quality, personalized financial guidance to local government, not-for-profit organizations, businesses, corporations and individuals.

    Managing Partner John Kasperek, Jr. has developed our team of professionals with an excellent working knowledge of the accounting principles and current standards to provide the highest level of excellence to our clients. Well known throughout Chicagoland area for his diverse expertise in all aspects of accounting, John has built a thriving company that serves the critical needs of the south suburban and northwest Indiana region.

    Please feel free to reach out to John or the rest of our team at John Kasperek Co., Inc. any time for answers to your questions. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (708) 862-2262.

  • Our News

    Our News

    In order to better serve our clients, partners, friends and colleagues, John Kasperek Co., Inc. will issue a new monthly digital newsletter with relevant financial and accounting information, changes to auditing standards and procedures, news and announcements from our firm. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you would like to be added to our digital newsletter distribution list.

    Additionally, we recently created an informative, consumer-focused accounting blog titled Your Friends that Count that is posted online at www.kasperekcpa.com/friends and is distributed through Facebook and LinkedIn.

    We will post press releases, announcements and stories from our firm to our Newsroom page.
  • Our Offices

    Our Offices

    John Kasperek Co., Inc.’s Corporate Office in Mokena is conveniently accessible from I-80 and Lagrange Road. JKC’s Calumet City Office is located near Torrence Avenue, I-80 and I-94. Our primary service area reaches throughout the Chicago Southland and Northwest Indiana region.

    We travel to our clients to provide services when and where they are needed.

    9980 190th Street, Unit A
    Mokena, IL 60448
    1471 Ring Road
    Calumet City, IL 60409
    (708) 862-2262
    This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.