Stop Tax Identity Theft in Its Tracks
Imagine after sending in your annual tax return, you receive a notice from the Internal Revenue Service. The notice says that another return has already been filed using your name and Social Security number claiming a refund. Sound impossible? It can happen if you become one of a growing number of victims of tax return identity theft. According to one estimate, tax-related identity theft cases have soared more than 650% since 2008.Know the warning signs: Be alert to possible tax-related identity theft if you are contacted by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or your tax professional/provider through the mail about:
- More than one tax return was filed using your Social Security Number (SSN).
- You owe additional tax, refund offset or have had collection actions taken against you for a year you did not file a tax return.
- IRS records indicate you received wages or other income from an employer for whom you did not work.
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 e-filed return is rejected because of a duplicate filing under your SSN, or if you are instructed to do so. Use a fill-in form at IRS.gov, print, and attach the form to your return and mail according to the instructions.
- Continue to pay your taxes and file your tax return, even if you must do so by paper.
For more information visit: https://www.irs.gov/uac/taxpayer-guide-to-identity-theft.