Better Business Bureau Issues Warning About Tax Documents

W-2 forms one-stop-shop for identity theft

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By Heather Hintze
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Story Created: Feb 5, 2013 at 5:47 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Feb 5, 2013 at 6:53 PM AKDT

ANCHORAGE - With tax season in full swing, the Better Business Bureau is warning people to protect their personal information.

Most companies should have mailed out W-2 forms by now which contain a person’s social security number. The BBB says people should file their taxes as soon as possible so they can store their tax information in a safe place.

Alaska Public Relations Manager Adam Harkness said people need to treat their W-2 like a Social Security card.

“If you wouldn't leave your Social Security card sitting on the front seat of your car, it's not a good idea to leave your W-2 sitting on the front seat of your car, on your office desk at work, any place where it's unsecured,” said Harkness.

The IRS recommends keeping most documents up to seven years. Items like tax returns, property records, and insurance records should be kept permanently.

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