Those IRS YouTube videos have been viewed more than 5 million times on important issues ranging from refund information to identity theft.

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Impromptu surveys of so-called e-tailers revealed half of firms had no information on refund policies and seemed not to realise that online customers had the same rights as in conventional shopping.

BBC: E-tailers 'breaking law'

One useful tip from the IRS: For the speediest refund, you should e-file (80% of taxpayers did last year) and include direct deposit information so your refund magically appears in your bank account.

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Information about your refund will generally be available within 24 hours after the IRS receives your e-filed return or four weeks after mailing a paper return.

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In terms of information, the laws apply generally to not only to tax returns but also supporting schedules, claims for refund, amendments and the like filed with the IRS. It also includes information about the taxpayer such as Social Security numbers, dependent information or tax balance due.

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It asks the judge to order Pfizer to correct "misleading" information in Zoloft's package insert and refund everything California patients paid for Zoloft.

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Be aware that the IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email or social media channels to request personal or financial information or notify people of an audit, refund or investigation.

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The IRS is now getting more timely updates from the Social Security Administration and blocking electronic refund requests for those accounts, while the SSA has reduced some of the information, including addresses, on the index.

FORBES: IRS Tips Won't Protect You From Identity Theft Tax Fraud