The Importance of Protecting Client Tax Information

Why It’s Important

As you review and adjust your business practices during the COVID-19 public health emergency, it is critical that you take the time to evaluate your data security protocols. Whether you are working from home or in the office, it is important to ensure that your clients’ data are secure.

If you believe your data have been compromised, contact the Louisiana Department of Revenue (LDR) at 855-307-3893 or through our dedicated email inquiry inbox for tax practitioners.

Tips to Protect Client Tax Information

Keep your business and your clients safe by making a habit of the following practices:

• Register for third-party access to your clients’ LDR taxpayer accounts through the Louisiana Taxpayer Access Point (LaTAP).
• Pay close attention to all LDR communications regarding your clients’ LDR taxpayer accounts, including billing notices and refunds.
• Track your daily e-file acknowledgements. If there are more acknowledgements than returns you know you filed, dig deeper.
• Track your weekly Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN) usage. The IRS posts the number of returns filed with your EFIN weekly.
  1. Access your IRS e-Services account and your EFIN application.
  2. Select “EFIN Status” from the application.
  3. Contact the IRS e-help Desk if your return totals exceed your number of returns filed.
  4. Update your EFIN application with all phone, address, or personnel changes.
• Track your weekly Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) usage. If you are an attorney, CPA, enrolled agent, or Annual Filing Season Program participant and file 50 or more returns, you can check your PTIN account for a weekly report.
  1. Access your IRS e-Services account and your EFIN application.
  2. Select “View Returns Filed Per PTIN.”
  3. Contact theIRS e-help Desk if your return totals exceed your number of returns filed.
  4. Update your EFIN application with all phone, address, or personnel changes.
• Track your weekly Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) usage. If you are an attorney, CPA, enrolled agent, or Annual Filing Season Program participant and file 50 or more returns, you can check your PTIN account for a weekly report.
  1. Access your online PTIN account.
  2. Select “View Returns Filed Per PTIN.”
  3. Complete federal form 14157 to report excessive use or misuse of your PTIN.
• If you have a Centralized Authorization File (CAF) Number with the IRS, keep your authorizations up to date. Remove authorizations for taxpayers who are no longer your clients. For more information, see IRS Publication 947.
• Create your online accounts using Secure Access to help prevent account takeovers. Learn how to register for Secure Access.