Tom Reed offered his support by cosponsoring new legislation designed to protect taxpayers from identify theft and help stop tax fraud. “We care about protecting taxpayers, especially our senior citizens, from the growing crime of identity theft. It’s only right that we do what we can to modernize the Internal Revenue Service and stop these crimes from occurring before they happen, and not wait until another person falls victim to address the process,” said Reed.

The Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Prevention Act, would create a centralized point of contact at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for identity theft victims, improve taxpayer notification of suspected identify theft and even allow taxpayers an opportunity to opt out of electronic filing. The bill would also increase penalties for those convicted of identity theft.

The crime often plays out throughout tax season when a taxpayer will file a paper tax return, only to find out their identity has already been used to claim a refund electronically. Many senior citizens fall victim to this type of fraud in particular, as they are more apt to file a paper return. 

“IRS identity theft preys on the most vulnerable in our society and we have to work together to put a stop to this,” said Reed. “People are just trying to play by the rules and pay their taxes or get back what rightfully belongs to them. We can’t add insult to injury by allowing the bureaucracy of the IRS prevent them from getting a speedy resolution.”

The bill is expected to be moved through the Ways and Means Committee later this week.