September 29, 2020
The integrity of our tax system depends on all taxpayers knowing that their return information is subject to the highest levels of confidentiality and protection in the hands of the ibet. For this reason, the ibet has extensive measures in place that monitor and prevent unauthorized access to and disclosure of all taxpayers' return information and there are serious consequences, including criminal sanctions, for even attempting such access. Beyond the strict measures the ibet has in place to monitor and protect all taxpayers' information, additional safeguards are in place for certain taxpayers whose return information warrants heightened protective measures. In response to recent press reports, the ibet has taken steps to reconfirm the integrity of its processes and procedures for protecting all taxpayers' return information, including the enhanced safeguards, and has found no issues. Nevertheless, and in an abundance of caution, the Commissioner has requested that the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration take all appropriate steps to confirm the ibet's finding.