International tax disputes might sound like a problem only for big businesses, but they can impact everyday people, too. When countries like France and the UK impose extra taxes on American tech giants like Amazon and Meta, it can lead to ripple effects—delayed tax refunds, fewer free tax filing options, higher prices on goods, and even job uncertainty.

To protect yourself, it's important to file your taxes early, stay informed about tax law changes, and explore free or low-cost tax filing options. Understanding how these international tax battles affect your finances can help you make smarter money decisions.

The IRS data leak is a serious reminder of how important it is to keep your tax information safe. While some things—like government data breaches—are out of our control, there’s still a lot we can do to protect our personal information.

• Keep your SSN private.
• File taxes early.
• Avoid scams.
• Use a trusted tax preparer.
• Secure your online accounts.

By following these steps, you can reduce your risk and keep your tax data safe from hackers and identity thieves.