Keep your refund and identity safe
TaxShifterPro is a marketplace, not the IRS. We don't issue, guarantee or track refunds.
How TaxShifterPro protects your information
- Professional badges (CPA, EA, Tax Attorney) appear only after an administrator reviews the application. AFSP and PTIN-only preparers are labeled as such, not as licensed.
- Tax documents stay in your private TaxVault. A professional can open one only if you share it to an open case; access expires and ends when the case closes or the professional's approval is suspended.
- Download and voice-note links last 60 seconds and are issued only to people in that case. Document access is logged.
- Pro'Bot and Community remove SSN-, ITIN- and account-number-like digits before saving or sending them.
- Private messages exist only inside a booked case — no cold DMs from strangers.
- TaxShifterPro does not file returns, receive refunds or collect bank account details.
These are product safeguards, not a certification or legal-compliance claim.
Your safety checklist
Verify your tax professional
Check the credential label on their profile, and confirm CPA licenses with the state board or EAs and AFSP with the IRS directory. Every paid preparer must have a PTIN and sign your return.
Protect your IRS account with an IP PIN
An Identity Protection PIN stops anyone else filing with your SSN. Never give it to anyone except your trusted preparer at filing time.
Double-check the refund bank account
Before filing, read the routing and account number on your return yourself. A refund should go only to an account in your name.
Track your refund only at the IRS
Use Where's My Refund on irs.gov. TaxShifterPro can't see or confirm your IRS refund status.
Spot phishing and ghost preparers
The IRS doesn't start contact by text, email or social media. Walk away from anyone who won't sign the return, charges a cut of your refund, or asks you to pay to 'unlock' a refund.
If you suspect identity theft
Report it at IdentityTheft.gov, file IRS Form 14039 if your SSN was used, and tell us below if it involved anyone on TaxShifterPro.
Official resources
Report suspected fraud, impersonation or refund redirection
Reports go privately to TaxShifterPro staff, never posted publicly. Don't include SSNs or account numbers. You can also report a message from inside a case conversation, or see refund status help.