Your Client Data Is Under Attack: An IRS Agent's Warning

Tax professional data breaches have exploded in 2025, with 327 reported incidents affecting over 342,000 taxpayers in just half a year. Glenn Gizzy, a 36-year IRS veteran now specializing in data breach prevention, reveals the sophisticated tactics criminals use to infiltrate tax practices. From phishing emails disguised as client referrals, to hackers who wait until returns are filed before changing bank account information. This conversation covers essential protection measures including Written Information Security Plans (WISP), IP PINs, proper cyber insurance coverage, and the critical steps to take immediately after discovering a breach.SponsorsPadgett -  Contact Padgett or Email Jeff Phillips(00:00) - Introduction and Greetings (02:06) - Today's Guest and Topic: Scams and Data Breaches (02:41) - IRS Statistics on Data Breaches (05:18) - Common Scams and How They Work (09:33) - Phishing Emails and Ransomware (14:36) - Fake Charities and Donation Scams (17:15) - Refund Thefts and Data Breaches (21:13) - IRS Communication and Taxpayer Awareness (29:08) - Signs of a Data Breach for Practitioners (31:40) - Immediate Steps After a Data Breach (33:30) - Multi-Step Process and Insurance Involvement (36:40) - Filing Returns After a Breach (39:52) - Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) (47:08) - Written Information Security Plan (WISP) (52:04) - Protecting EFIN, PTIN, and CAF Numbers (54:23) - Final Thoughts and Conclusion Connect with Glennhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/glenn-gizzi-4b6ab5205Get NASBA Approved CPE or IRS Approved CELaunch the course on EarmarkCPE to get free CPE/CE for listening to this episode.Connect with the Roger and Annie on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerharrispbs/https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-schwab-852418261/ReviewLeave a review on Apple Podcasts or PodchaserSubscribeSubscribe to the Federal Tax Updates podcast in your favorite podcast app!This podcast is a production of the Earmark Media