Aimed at
State Tax Fraud Prevention
MONTGOMERY, April
11, 2017 – The Alabama Department of Revenue has partnered with MorphoTrust USA
to launch a new pilot program utilizing MorphoTrust’s electronic ID (eID) to
secure state tax refunds for the 2016 filing season. Taxpayers who use the
MorphoTrust® eID to complete the filing process will receive
priority processing and expedited issuance of their state tax refund.
“By
implementing state-of-the-art technologies, like the MorphoTrust eID, the state
of Alabama continues to demonstrate that it is doing everything possible to
protect our taxpayers from criminals looking to steal their information and use
it to file fraudulent state tax returns,” said Alabama Revenue Commissioner
Julie P. Magee. “There are no usernames or passwords; only a person's photo can
unlock the eID, making it secure and easy-to-use.’’
The MorphoTrust
eID is a digital identity credential, in the form of a mobile app,
authenticated by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. The app is easily
downloaded from Apple iTunes, and the eID credential is issued after a short
registration process. After downloading the app, users’ identities are verified
by taking a photo of their physical driver’s license or state-issued ID and
taking a self-photo using their smartphone. This information is then compared
against the data and photo on record in the driver’s license database to ensure
only the rightful identity holder is able to obtain an eID.
“The
MorphoTrust eID is the only electronic ID, commercially available, that
verifies a person’s identity by connecting it back to their photograph and
identity record with their state’s motor vehicle agency,” said Bob Eckel,
President and CEO, MorphoTrust USA. “Now more than ever, there is a critical
need to create a more secure online environment, and our innovative technology
ensures that residents using the MorphoTrust eID have the most secure tools
available to protect their identity and reduce their chance of being a victim
of state tax refund theft.”
For more
information on the MorphoTrust eID, go to www.alabamaeid.com.
Apple iOS users can download the app from the App Store by searching
“MorphoTrust eID.” The eID app is currently only available for iOS users, but
an Android version is being developed and should be available soon.
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Media contact for more information:
ADOR
Communications/Publications Division
Frank.miles@revenue.alabama.gov
Amanda.collier@revenue.alabama.gov
Telephone:
334-242-1390; FAX: 334-242-0550
Website:
http://www.revenue.alabama.gov/