A new law taking effect Wednesday provides greater protection against identify theft.
The law requires tax preparers to get your written permission before they sell or share their information with other businesses. State Representative Don Friske (R-Merrill) says the bill should help protect your personal identifying information by requiring a signed release from the client.
Friske says the law goes into effect just in time for the end of tax season. He says it allows members of the public to know what a tax preparer is doing with their information, and gives clients the ability to move on if they don't like it.
The law should stop rogue tax preparers who have traded information without a person's knowledge. It could also help reduce the amount of junk mail you receive from third party businesses. Friske says there have been some cases of the information being sold to marketing firms.
Prosecutors and state regulators can take legal action if tax preparers do not get permission and your information is misused. Friske wrote the law after the IRS refused to issue a rule with similar requirements in 2006.
AUDIO: Matt Lehman reports (MP3 :38)
