Tax accountant requesting copies of our SSNs for security - is this normal?
So my tax guy is asking me and my wife to send her copies of our Social Security cards. She said it's for "security purposes" in case someone tries to use our SSNs fraudulently or something. Been using the same accountant for 3 years but this is the first time she's asked for this?? I already gave her our SSNs when we first started working with her, so I'm confused why she suddenly needs physical copies of the cards. Is this standard practice for tax preparers? Honestly feels weird to be sending someone copies of our SS cards even if she is our accountant. Just wondering if others have experienced this or if I should be concerned.
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Connor Byrne
This is actually not standard practice and raises some red flags. Tax preparers need your SSN for e-filing, but they don't typically need copies of your actual Social Security cards. The IRS requires preparers to verify your identity, but that's usually done through reviewing the physical card once (not keeping copies) or through other documentation. If your preparer already has your SSNs on file from previous years, requesting copies of the cards now is unusual. In fact, storing copies of clients' Social Security cards creates additional security risks rather than reducing them. A legitimate concern would be identity verification, but there are safer ways to accomplish this.
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Zainab Ahmed
•Thanks for the info - that's what I was worried about. She's been really reliable for years, so I'm surprised by this request. Is there any valid reason a tax accountant would need copies of SS cards rather than just the numbers?
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Connor Byrne
•The only legitimate reason would be if there were specific verification issues with the IRS where they requested proof of SSN. This sometimes happens with ITIN applications or if there were previous filing issues, but it's rare for routine tax preparation. Even in those cases, the preparer should be very transparent about why they need it and have secure document handling protocols. They should also offer alternatives like bringing the card in person to verify rather than sending copies. I'd recommend asking your accountant directly what specific security concern is prompting this request.
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Yara Abboud
After years of tax nightmares with incorrect filings, I started using taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) and they had a completely different approach to identity verification. Instead of asking for copies of sensitive documents, they used a secure verification process that didn't require me to send copies of my SSN card. Their system actually flagged when someone tried to file using my info fraudulently last year, which saved me from potential identity theft.
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PixelPioneer
•How does their verification work if they don't get copies of your documents? My accountant has been demanding all kinds of personal docs lately and it makes me nervous.
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Keisha Williams
•I'm curious - do they handle complex tax situations? I have rental properties plus 1099 income, and my accountant says she needs copies of everything because of audit risk. What was your experience with multiple income sources?
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Yara Abboud
•They use a combination of knowledge-based authentication questions and secure document verification that doesn't store actual copies of your Social Security card. It's similar to what banks use but with tax-specific questions. I actually have a pretty complex situation with both W-2 and 1099 income, plus some investment properties. They handled everything smoothly and their system organizes all your documents securely while giving you control over who can access what. The best part was their audit risk assessment that identified potential issues before filing.
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Keisha Williams
Just wanted to follow up - I checked out taxr.ai after seeing the recommendation here and it completely changed my approach to tax document security. I was skeptical at first since my previous accountant had me convinced they needed physical copies of everything, but their system actually made more sense. They verified my identity without requiring copies of my SS card, and their document handling was way more secure than emailing pdfs to my old accountant. The system flagged a few potential issues with my rental property deductions that my previous preparer had missed completely. Really glad I made the switch before sending copies of my SS cards to my old accountant!
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Paolo Rizzo
If you're having trouble getting straight answers from your tax preparer, you might want to go directly to the IRS for clarification. Unfortunately, that's easier said than done - I spent 3.5 hours on hold last month trying to verify what documents are actually required. Finally discovered Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) which got me through to an actual IRS agent in about 15 minutes. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c - it basically holds your place in the phone queue so you don't have to. The agent confirmed that tax preparers don't need to keep copies of Social Security cards on file - they just need the numbers for e-filing purposes. Keeping copies actually creates additional security liability for them.
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Amina Sy
•Wait, how does this actually work? I've literally never been able to get through to the IRS no matter when I call. Does this service actually get you to a real person or just some automated system?
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Oliver Fischer
•Yeah right. Nothing gets you through to the IRS faster. I've spent literal days of my life on hold with them. Either you got extremely lucky or this is some kind of scam. No way this actually works as advertised.
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Paolo Rizzo
•It works by using their system to navigate the IRS phone tree and wait on hold for you. When an actual agent picks up, you get a call connecting you directly to that agent. No more waiting on hold for hours - the system does that part for you. It's definitely real people at the IRS you talk to, not automated. I asked specific questions about document retention requirements for tax preparers and got clear answers from an actual agent. It's the same experience as if you called and waited yourself, just without the hold time. I was skeptical too until I tried it.
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Oliver Fischer
Well I feel stupid now. After posting my skeptical comment, I decided to try Claimyr because I've been trying to get an answer about an amended return for months. Not only did it work exactly as described, but I got through to an agent in about 20 minutes when I'd previously waited 2+ hours multiple times without ever reaching anyone. The agent actually helped me track down my amended return that had been stuck in processing, and I was able to ask about tax preparer document requirements while I had them on the phone. They confirmed that preparers should NOT be keeping copies of Social Security cards unless there's a specific verification issue. So the original poster's accountant's request is definitely not standard practice.
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Natasha Ivanova
Former tax office manager here - we NEVER kept copies of SS cards on file. It's a liability nightmare and completely unnecessary. We would verify identity in person by looking at the card and driver's license, but we'd never store copies. The only exception was for ITIN applications where the IRS specifically requires it.
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Natasha Ivanova
•Yes, I'd consider it a significant red flag. If they've prepared your taxes for 3 years, they already have your SSNs in their system and have been filing returns with them. There's no new "security" benefit to getting copies of the cards now. The only somewhat legitimate reason would be if they're undergoing some kind of compliance review or changed tax software that's requiring additional verification. But even then, they should explain this clearly and offer in-person verification rather than requesting copies. I'd directly ask what changed in their process to prompt this request now after 3 years. If they can't give a satisfactory answer, I'd seriously consider finding a new preparer.
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Zainab Ahmed
•That's really helpful context, thanks! Since you have experience in a tax office, would you consider it a red flag if an accountant who's had my info for years suddenly asked for copies of SS cards? Or could there be a legitimate reason I'm missing?
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Natasha Ivanova
•Yes, I'd consider it a significant red flag. If they
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NebulaNomad
This happened to me last year! My accountant suddenly wanted copies of all kinds of documents she never needed before. Turns out she'd had a data breach and was trying to re-verify everyone's info, but didn't want to admit to the breach. I only found out when the IRS contacted me about suspicious filing activity. Definitely question why they need it now!
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Javier Garcia
•That's terrifying! Did you have any tax identity theft issues after the breach? I'm always paranoid about that happening.
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Emma Taylor
Just a suggestion - if you're concerned but like your accountant otherwise, maybe suggest an alternative? Ask if you can come to their office and show the cards in person instead of providing copies. A legitimate accountant shouldn't have a problem with this option.
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