Security reminders and tools for tax pros
October 20, 2026
from the IRS
It’s Tax Professional Awareness week which is a perfect time to remind tax professionals of ways they can protect themselves and sensitive taxpayer information. Here are some quick tips to do so.
Beware of malicious and suspicious requests
Tax pros need to stay vigilant to protect themselves and their businesses. Unfortunately, it’s common for them to receive “new client” or “document request” emails that deliver malicious links or attachments to steal client data or access systems.
- Businesses, tax pros, and individuals should always be cautious of any suspicious requests or unusual behavior before sharing any sensitive information or responding to an email.
- Warning signs may include unexpected requests for sensitive information, mismatched or unfamiliar sender addresses, urgent payment demands, or links directing users to websites that do not clearly originate from IRS.gov. Don’t click unexpected links or open unexpected attachments.
Protect client information
Cybercriminals and identity thieves often target tax professionals, because they have access to sensitive taxpayer information. Tax pros are encouraged to frequently review their security practices to help prevent identity theft and data breaches. Important security measures include:
- Using strong passwords and multifactor authentication
- Keeping security software and systems updated
- Watching for phishing emails and suspicious requests for client information
- Reviewing and updating their Written Information Security Plan
Report any suspicious activity
The IRS encourages taxpayers, tax professionals, and the public to report suspected tax fraud, scams, identity theft, data breaches, or other tax-related wrongdoing by visiting IRS.gov/SubmitATip. Immediate reporting helps protect taxpayers and quickly stop abusive activity.
Use IRS Tax Pro Account to review and manage client authorizations
IRS Tax Pro Account offers a secure way to manage client authorizations, access tax information, and conduct certain business with the IRS. Tax professionals can use Tax Pro Account to:
- View active powers of attorney and tax information authorizations after linking their Centralized Authorization File number
- Withdraw authorizations that are no longer needed
- Request new authorizations electronically for eligible individual taxpayers
- Access tax information and act on behalf of your client within the scope of their authorizations
Tax professional businesses can also manage business CAF access, including specifying which employees are authorized to act under the business CAF.
Prepare for filing season
Tax professionals should make sure their account information is current, review their client authorizations and encourage clients to use an IRS Individual Online Account or the IRS app. Taking these steps now can help tax professionals protect taxpayer information and make working with the IRS easier during filing season.