What is tax-related identity theft?

 

Tax-related identity theft occurs when someone uses your stolen Social Security

number to file a tax return claiming a fraudulent refund.

You may be unaware that this has happened until you efile your return and discover

that a return already has been filed using your SSN. Or, the IRS may send you a letter

saying we have identified a suspicious return using your SSN.

 

Steps to take if you become a victim

 

If you are a victim of identity theft, the Federal Trade Commission recommends these steps:

 

• File a complaint with the FTC at identitytheft.gov.

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• Contact one of the three major credit bureaus to place a ‘fraud alert’ on your credit records:

  • Equifax, www.Equifax.com, 1-800-766-0008

  • Experian, www.Experian.com, 1-888-397-3742

  • TransUnion, www.TransUnion.com, 1-800-680-7289

 

• Contact your financial institutions, and close any financial or credit accounts opened without your permission or tampered with by identity thieves.

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If your SSN is compromised and you know or suspect you are a victim of tax-related identity theft, the IRS recommends these additional steps:

 

• Respond immediately to any IRS notice; call the number provided or, if instructed, go to IDVerify.irs.gov.

• Complete IRS Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, if your efiled return rejects because of a duplicate filing under your SSN or you are instructed to do so. Use a fillable form at IRS.gov, print, then attach the form to your return and mail according to instructions.

• Continue to pay your taxes and file your tax return, even if you must do so by paper.

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If you previously contacted the IRS and did not have a resolution, contact us for specialized assistance at 1-800-908-4490. We have teams available to assist.