What confidentiality measures should VITA volunteers take to protect taxpayer information?

The most appropriate confidentiality measure volunteers should take to protect taxpayer information is to discuss taxpayer information only with authorized personnel and secure all tax documents. This approach is crucial because it ensures that sensitive information is not disclosed to unauthorized individuals, which could lead to identity theft or other fraudulent activities. Ensuring that tax documents are secured protects against unauthorized access, which is essential in maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of taxpayer data.

Using authorized personnel helps create a controlled environment in which information is shared responsibly and only among those who need to know for legitimate purposes. Securing tax documents, whether they are physical or electronic, further enhances the protection of personal data by limiting the risk of data breaches or accidental exposure.

In contrast, the other options do not adequately protect taxpayer information. For instance, encrypting only electronic documents neglects the importance of securing physical documents and discussing sensitive information with just other volunteers may lead to unauthorized disclosures. Keeping documents in an unsecure location is fundamentally unsafe and goes against the principles of confidentiality. Adopting the practice outlined in the correct answer is essential for meeting the ethical and legal standards necessary in handling taxpayer information.