Enrolled agents and Annual Filing Season Program participants can now earn CE credit for programs covering data security and identity theft topics. Courses focused on enhancing tax professional awareness of protecting client data, including review of Publications 4556 or 4524 safeguards can qualify for continuing education in the federal tax law category. IRS recognized CE programs previously only included those courses that covered federal tax preparation, federal tax updates, ethics, and representation topics. Tax professionals are becoming the number one target of identity thieves. With identity theft and data breaches on the rise, security courses help support the Don’t Take the Bait education series, which aims to raise awareness of the critical need for tax professionals to increase their computer security, be cautious of emails scams dubbed spear phishing, and what to do in the event of a security incident. You can learn about threats facing the tax professional community and the ongoing efforts of the Protect Your Clients; Protect Yourself campaign. Remember, you have not just an obligation but a legal requirement under federal law to protect taxpayer information. Data security and identity theft courses detail ways that tax professionals can better protect themselves and their clients. To find providers who offer courses on data security and identity theft, visit the Listing of IRS-Approved CE Providers.
