Reportable income privacy

[Dixy51]

What is the name of your state? New York . Is your IRS and State reported income protected information? Can anyone but you access this info? For example, your medical records are private and protected by law and can only be accessed by others with a court order in special situations. Would one have to obtain a court order to access from the IRS the amts reported on W2's? Is this info classified? Or readily available to anyone?

 

[nextwife]

It is not "public information" and is NOT available from the INS to "anyone". However, under certain circumstances, the courts may subpoena income records, such as W2s, 1099s and tax returns. One example would be for establishment or modification of child support. Also, of course, income verification may be required by a mortgage lender as part of the process of qualifiying for a mortgage or other credit. We were also required to produce tax record copies to the INS as part of the process of adopting our daughter.

So, there are many situations in which tax or income records may be needed and required from you by parties other than the IRS.