The IRS is considering a plan that would allow third party tax preparers to sell the information on your tax returns, including your SS#, income, marital status, dependants and THEIR SS#, in short, ALL your personal info. Exactly HOW is this NOT considered an invasion of privacy, and with the implicit consent of the government, no less?\n\nIs there ANY right to privacy left under this administration?
214387
Absolutely not.  Even though the legislation calls for "consent," there are no legal boundaries for how that consent is derived.  I give you the following scenario:\n\nTax Preparer:  "Ok, we're almost done.  Just a few forms to sign.  Here's your 1040A.  Good.  Here's your state forms.  Good.  Here is your payment voucher.  Good.  Here is your privacy act notice.  Good.  Now, would you like to go ahead and get your return now?  You can sign this form and we'll cut you a check today...."\n\nDid you catch it?  In the midst of getting the client to sign all the necessary forms, the tax preparer threw in a "privacy act notice" that implied consent to selling private information to a third party.  Folks, it IS THAT SIMPLE.  The reason that this is not considered invasion of privacy is that you have given your written consent AND that legislators do not wish it to be considered an invasion of privacy.  Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, innit?  This also ties into the failing tax structure as a whole.  Special interest groups lobby Congress to get particular favours in the tax code so that we end up with a decrepit lummox some 16,000+ pages long.  The best way we can overcome this problem is to make our voices heard--not only by voting, but also by keeping in near constant correspondence with our elected officials.  We have to show them that true power lies in the voice, not the wallet.\n\nBy the way, blaming the administration is not the correct route, per se.  Taxes are not a product of the executive branch (President), rather a product of the legislative branch (Congress) who alone has the power to levy taxes.  Contrary to popular belief, Presidents can NOT raise or lower taxes--they can only urge Congress to do so.  My final advice to Americans:  pay attention in social studies/civics class.\n\nFACT:  More Americans can name the finalists on American Idol than can name any one of their Congressional representatives.
324308
I heard not only social security numbers but also discharge information, reenlistment codes, MOS classifications. Basically everything on a dd214. Could our enemies use that info to target vets individually, you bet. what will our government do about it? Probably nothing. Will this info be used to deny a vet retirement or disability payments? The ramifications could be enourmous. But who cares about us vets. Nobody............\nand why did this person feel that he/she had any right to take our records home? What a real joker this person is.
220120
yes - you're entitled to a copy of any information that anybody, company or government, holds about you. its to do with the data protection act.
602747
They found you because of the tax records,  My hubby got the same letter  and has been out of the service since 1985. A lot of my friends who are still  with the military are afraid of identity theft, I am glad we all were notified about the missing files from the laptop from the guys house. Any why he had the files at home is a big problem which needs to be looked into.
314955
Yes, because I'm not a criminal so they have no right to collect data on me.  They don't need to listen in on things to know details of my life.  They can figure out easily how often I call my doctor, how often bill collectors call me, how often I stay in touch with family and where they are, what products I purchase via phone, how often I order pizza, and whether or not I cheat on my wife.  \n\nI don't want some geek sitting in a control room somewhere figuring that out, its just creepy...and unconstitutional...and "1984".  Please place me on the "Do Not Monitor" list, thanks.
656300
I think too much personal information is being made available to too many people.  People steal laptops and tons of people's info is now out in the world.  It's almost as if we make it easier for identity theft to occur.  The databases should be secured so information is not disclosed that is not supposed to be.
663396
it's a good idea to shred anything with your name and address on it.  It's also a good idea NOT to have your SS# or Driver LIcense or telephone # not imprinted on your checks or savings pass slips!\n\nIdentity thieves are skillfull.
478766
The company owns all rights to anything that it costs them to do.  So if they pay someone to open and distribute the mail, they are entitled to do so.\n\nWe can expect no reasonable rights to privacy in the workplace, unless of course you own the business.\n\nI may be wrong, but I believe that even a letter marked "personal and confidential" if sent addressed to your employer can be opened by the employer.  \n\nIf need to receive mail that you don't want your wife/s.o. to find out about, go open a PO Box and keep the receipts at your office.
160365
It depends on your view points on the law.  I feel the law is too involved in what we do and 'likes' to invade on our privacy.  I think that it also depends on if you really in fact will use it for it's purpose... pain!  I know a few people who take advantage of it being legal.  So you have to ask yourself:  am I really in enough pain?  Would you be using it for yourself?  Or with friends?  Selling it?
521369
Is all this information about you? If it is that's not to smart listing your ssn on a questions website where someone could steal your info. I would rethink having this question on here.
209610
I would say that whenever you transmit something out into the world where anyone can pick it up you have virtually no privacy rights at all.  This would include the internet, CB radio, amateur radio and cell phones.  If you do not like this notion, then do not use these things. Imagine if Howard Stern started yapping about his privacy rights concerning things he said on the radio.
9346
Sorry, in a public place you do not have an expectation of privacy, though you can probably get the paper to print a clarification and apology so that it becomes public record that you were not getting busted for something.
150056
I bet there are a lot of illegal aliens now using it to be able to work, the reason is simple, when an employer try to pay taxes based on the income this people make the IRS will accept the money , I think they came up with this when the goberment did not allow people to obtain a social security number, many year ago you were allowed to obtain one but it was not valid for employment,. yes it is true that this number is meant for investor or people who can not get a social security card but believe me I know people who use it the the way I describe above.
467352
A little risky putting all of your personal info on here don't ya think? Stalkers, identity theft etc...
578525
It's a good idea in theory. Especially for workers who are trying to remember their employment history for applications and resume's. I run into folks all the time who have misplaced their tax forms or forgotten an employer. It would help with not only that issue, but also what you have stated. However, it would cost a lot to set up and keep maintained. How would you ensure accuracy? What if an employer didn't report and it messed up someone's credit or chance at a job? What if an employee didn't report properly because they didn't want anyone to know about a job that lasted 2 months and they got fired? The accurate reporting would be an issue, as well as the safety and security of the database. Anything can be hacked.
158376
Do you also think that 18 is to young to vote, get married and buy ALCHOCOL in some states?  I see your point about the women, even though I'm female, I agree that woman should have to register just like you,  In fact I am not entirely opposed to all US citizens serving their country. I think the government probably does not consider your personal information to be personal because after all they did give you the SS # in the first place.  But I agree with you, the least they could do is enclose it in a envelope.  Even if you have been out of this country as long as you are a citizen you should have to register.  Also the US Postal Service is a branch of the government so they probably consider that your information is safe in government employee hands.  But if you feel this strongly about it, I suggest that you go to the post office and ask them how to file a complaint or bring this issue to the proper party.
95664
Seriously are you insane putting a SSN on the internet?\n\nAsk about "finding unclaimed property."