As millions of Canadians file their tax returns this month, it is important to remember to keep your tax information secure. Your return contains your Social Insurance Number and birthdate, as well as other personal financial details that are not to be shared.
Here are some recommendations for keeping your tax information safe.
- Keep your paperwork secure: If you keep your paper files at home, make sure they are in a locked cabinet.
- Keep electronic files safe: If you file using NETFILE, make sure you keep a copy of your return on your computer. And have a back-up in case your computer is hit with a virus or other accident.
- Use a secure network: Filing your taxes online from your local coffee shop may be appealing but make sure the network is secure. Most networks in stores, libraries, etc., are not secure and you do not want your information to be seen by anyone else.
- Clear your cache: If you are using a computer at a library or school, make sure you clear the cache before you leave, so no one can access your files.
- CRA email: The Canada Revenue Agency will not contact you via email and request personal information or offer a tax refund. If you receive one of these emails, do not respond. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a tax refund via email.
- My Account: If you have registered for the CRA’s My Account, make sure you do not write your password on the same piece of paper as your account number. You do not want any unauthorized access to your tax information.
Treating your tax return and correspondence with the CRA carefully is important for keeping your information secure. You do not want your SIN and other details falling into the wrong hands.