Proposed changes in tax return rules have Long Islanders worried about the security of personal information.

Congressman Carolyn McCarthy (D-Mineola) says a new rule requiring tax preparers to get consent before sharing tax information could lead to marketing firms purchasing the infomation. She says she will be keeping a close eye on an IRS public hearing on the issue scheduled for April 4.

The IRS issued a statement Tuesday saying the proposed regulations do not say tax preparers can sell taxpayer return information. Officials say it requires the disclosure of tax return information be subject to the taxpayer?s informed consent.