Q: Can technology make my tax filing safer?

A: Yes – significantly! Used correctly, technology reduces fraud risk, speeds refunds and gives you more control over your tax record.

Here are four smart upgrades:

Use an IRS identity protection personal identification number. A six-digit identity protection personal identification number prevents anyone from filing a return using your Social Security number without it. Even if your data is stolen, the return can’t be filed without your personal identification number.

• E-file instead of mailing paper. Electronic filing is faster, more secure and far less prone to delays or lost mail. Paper returns, meanwhile, can sit unprocessed for months.

• Choose direct deposit over a paper check. Direct deposit is faster and reduces refund theft risk. Paper checks are far more vulnerable to interception.

• Create an IRS online account. You can view balances, transcripts, notices and payment history. Seeing what the IRS sees helps prevent small problems from turning into large ones. (Massachusetts residents can access similar tools through MassTaxConnect.)

The bottom line: Technology doesn’t just make tax filing easier – it makes it safer. A few simple digital tools can dramatically reduce fraud, delays and costly surprises.

Send questions about your taxes to Vincent Hicks, a CPA based in Cambridge who has more than 20 years of experience, at [email protected]. You can call Hicks at (859) 553-0788.