The IRS is requesting more help with its Form W-2 verification program. The program was implemented during 2016 as a way to combat tax identity theft and refund fraud. It’s now being expanded. The IRS and payroll service providers will place a 16-digit verification code on 50 million 2016 W-2s (up from 2 million for 2015). The code should be entered on electronically filed personal tax returns. The IRS is encouraging (but not requiring) employees who receive a W-2 with codes to enter them when prompted by tax software or to make sure their tax preparers do so.