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Security

Security

The Kentucky Department of Revenue (DOR) uses the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) 128-bit encryption protocol to safeguard your sensitive personal information, including your credit card or checking account number, during online transactions. Using this widely accepted form of encryption, your transaction is secured from your personal computer to the DOR computer processing your request. The DOR processing computers are located behind a secure firewall. For your protection, never put your credit card or checking account number or other sensitive information in unencrypted e-mail. For added security, your credit card and checking account information is not stored on a state government database and only authorized employees have access to your credit card and checking account number for payment processing purposes.

Privacy

Your privacy and security are our highest priority. Ensuring electronic access to state government information and services while maintaining privacy is a guiding principle of the state’s Strategic Information Technology Plan. The Commonwealth of Kentucky collects only the personal information necessary to provide enhanced services to our citizens and customers. Public records containing information of a personal nature are protected from disclosure by the general personal privacy exemption of the Open Records Act, KRS 61.870. More specifically, tax returns, schedules and other information concerning the affairs of a taxpayer’s business are exempt from public disclosure by KRS 131.190 which governs the confidentiality of tax information by the DOR. Please note that any non-exempt information collected by DOR may be subject to public disclosure under the Open Records Act. Personal data and tax information in our possession is also maintained and used within the agency in ways that respect individual privacy. DOR educates our employees about the importance of protecting tax information and only authorized employees have access to such information.

When you log on to our online tax filing and payment services, the personal information that you submit to us is captured to enable you to conduct business with DOR. The only personal information that we collect is the information that you submit to us during the process of completing online filing, payment or registration transactions. You are required to provide this personal information in order to register, file and pay online.

DOR and Internet Cookies

Cookies are short and simple text files stored on your computer by Internet Web sites to help identify users and enhance customer service. DOR sites may use cookies to customize and personalize your service transactions with state agencies. For example, a Web shopping site could use cookies to keep track of customers and the contents of their shopping cart. In the event the Internet connection is broken or you wish to suspend shopping and resume at a later time, the cookie on your computer could maintain your computer’s identity and shopping cart information. Cookies do not compromise your privacy or security. Using Web browser settings, you can refuse the cookies or delete the cookie file from your computer by using any of the widely available methods.

Whether it is on the Internet, in-person, via telephone or mail, the DOR is committed to protecting your privacy. We will continue to provide you with the most up-to-date safeguards possible to ensure the security and privacy of your on-line tax information.