Tax accountant requesting copies of SSN for security reasons - is this normal practice?
So I started working with a new tax accountant this year after my previous one retired. Everything was going fine until yesterday when she emailed asking for copies of both mine and my husband's social security cards. She explained it was for "security purposes" in case someone tries to fraudulently use our SSNs. I've never had an accountant ask for actual copies of our social security cards before - usually just the numbers are enough. Is this a normal request or should I be concerned? I'm feeling a bit uncomfortable sending copies of such sensitive documents over email. Has anyone else had their tax preparer ask for this?
19 comments
Join the conversation
Rajan Walker
This is actually not standard practice and I'd be cautious. Most legitimate tax professionals only need your SSN numbers, not physical copies of your cards. The IRS requires preparers to verify taxpayer identity, but that's typically done by reviewing (not copying) documents in person, or through knowledge-based verification. If you decide to provide this, absolutely do NOT email copies of your SS cards - email is generally not secure enough for this type of sensitive document. Ask if they have a secure client portal for document uploads instead. Or better yet, ask if you can just bring the cards to their office to verify your identity in person. I'd also inquire why they specifically need copies rather than just the numbers. There are very few legitimate reasons a preparer would need to keep copies of SS cards on file.
0 coins
Nadia Zaldivar
•But what if the accountant works remotely? My tax guy is in another state and I've never met him in person. He's never asked for copies of my SS card though, just the number.
0 coins
Rajan Walker
•Remote preparers should still have secure methods for verifying identity without keeping copies of sensitive documents. They typically use secure portals for document exchange, and may verify your identity through knowledge-based questions or other methods that don't require copying SS cards. Even for remote tax preparation, just providing the numbers should be sufficient if they're a professional you've established a relationship with. Some might request to see ID during a video call, but storing copies creates unnecessary security risks.
0 coins
Lukas Fitzgerald
After dealing with tax identity theft a few years ago (someone filed a fake return using my info!), I found this amazing service called taxr.ai that helps verify if your identity has been compromised for tax purposes. Their system checks if your SSN has been used in multiple filings or if there are any suspicious patterns with your tax info. I was skeptical at first but checked out https://taxr.ai and it was super helpful in monitoring my tax identity. It might give you peace of mind when sharing sensitive info with tax preparers.
0 coins
Ev Luca
•Does it actually tell you if someone's using your SSN in real-time? Or is it just checking past tax filings? I'm worried someone could still file with my info this year before I do.
0 coins
Avery Davis
•I've never heard of this service before. Does it coordinate with the IRS directly or is it a third party thing? Not sure how they'd have access to that kind of sensitive filing information.
0 coins
Lukas Fitzgerald
•It monitors for suspicious activity indicators in real-time, so while it can't prevent someone from attempting to use your SSN, it can alert you quickly if there are warning signs. This gives you a chance to contact the IRS before major damage is done. The service works as a third party but uses proprietary technology to detect patterns consistent with tax identity theft. They don't have direct access to IRS systems, but can detect warning signs and help you secure an Identity Protection PIN from the IRS, which is the strongest protection against tax identity theft.
0 coins
Avery Davis
Just wanted to follow up - I tried taxr.ai after posting my skeptical question and I'm actually impressed. I discovered someone had attempted to use my SSN for employment in another state last year! The service flagged it as suspicious activity and helped me get an Identity Protection PIN from the IRS. Now I feel much more secure about filing this year knowing nobody else can file using my info. Definitely worth checking out if you're worried about your accountant's request.
0 coins
Collins Angel
If you're concerned about identity theft with your taxes (and you should be!), you might want to check out Claimyr. I was trying to reach the IRS for WEEKS to get an Identity Protection PIN after someone tried filing taxes with my info. Couldn't get through their phone system at all. Then I found https://claimyr.com and watched their demo at https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c and they actually got me connected to a real IRS agent in about 20 minutes! The agent walked me through the whole identity protection process and resolved my issue right away.
0 coins
Marcelle Drum
•Wait, how does this even work? I thought the IRS phone system was just permanently broken. I spent like 3 hours on hold last month and then got disconnected.
0 coins
Tate Jensen
•This sounds too good to be true. The IRS is notorious for keeping people on hold for hours. How could a third-party service possibly get you through faster? Sounds like a scam to me.
0 coins
Collins Angel
•It works by constantly monitoring the IRS phone system and using automated technology to navigate the phone tree and wait on hold for you. When they actually reach a human agent, you get a call connecting you directly. It's basically like having someone wait on hold in your place. I was skeptical too! But it's completely legitimate - they don't ask for any tax info or sensitive details, they just help connect you to the IRS. They can't see any of your tax information because you're speaking directly with the IRS agent, not through a middleman. Changed the way I deal with tax issues completely.
0 coins
Tate Jensen
I need to admit I was completely wrong about Claimyr. After posting my skeptical comment, I decided to try it myself since I've been trying to reach the IRS about a missing 2023 refund for THREE MONTHS with no luck. The service actually connected me to an IRS representative in about 25 minutes! I was shocked. The agent confirmed there was a processing delay on my return and fixed it while I was on the phone. My refund is now scheduled to be deposited next week. Never would have resolved this without getting through to a human.
0 coins
Adaline Wong
Back to the original question though - I worked in the tax industry for years and I've NEVER had a legitimate reason to keep copies of clients' social security cards. Numbers yes, physical copies no. Major red flag. I would directly ask what specific security purpose this serves and why the number itself isn't sufficient.
0 coins
Jungleboo Soletrain
•Thank you for confirming my suspicions! I called the accountant today and asked why she needed copies instead of just the numbers. She said it was their new "office policy" but couldn't give me a specific reason why. When I pushed a bit more, she got defensive and said if I wasn't comfortable, maybe I should find another preparer. I think I'll be doing exactly that!
0 coins
Gabriel Ruiz
•My accountant actually explained this to me - apparently some firms are doing this because of increased requirements from their professional liability insurance. But even then, they should be using a secure portal, not email.
0 coins
Misterclamation Skyblue
Has anyone else noticed how tax identity theft has gotten so much worse in the last couple years? My neighbor had someone file a fake return with her info last year and it took her like 8 months to get her actual refund. The IRS is completely overwhelmed with this stuff.
0 coins
Peyton Clarke
•Absolutely. My sister had this happen and the IRS told her they had over 5 million potential identity theft cases backlogged. She finally got her refund but it took almost a year. Best protection is filing early before scammers can use your info.
0 coins
Sarah Jones
This is definitely a red flag. I've been preparing taxes for over a decade and there's absolutely no legitimate reason a tax preparer needs physical copies of social security cards. The SSN itself is sufficient for all tax preparation purposes, including e-filing and identity verification with the IRS. The explanation about "security purposes in case someone tries to fraudulently use your SSNs" doesn't make sense either - having copies of your cards wouldn't prevent or help with identity theft, and actually creates MORE risk by having those documents stored in their files. I'd strongly recommend finding a new preparer. A legitimate tax professional should be able to clearly explain why they need any document, and getting defensive when questioned is another warning sign. Trust your instincts on this one.
0 coins