Identity theft is a serious issue that can have a significant impact on your finances and your peace of mind. If you suspect that someone has fraudulently filed your taxes, it’s important to take action immediately.
Here are the steps you should take if you believe you’re a victim of tax-related identity theft:
- Contact the IRS. The first thing you should do is contact the IRS at 1-800-908-4490. They will be able to help you determine if a fraudulent return has been filed in your name and provide you with instructions on how to proceed.
- File a police report. You should also file a police report about the identity theft. This will create a record of the crime and may help you in recovering your losses.
- Freeze your credit. Contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and freeze your credit. This will prevent the identity thief from opening new accounts in your name.
- Monitor your credit reports. You should also monitor your credit reports for any suspicious activity. You can get a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus once per year.
- File a Form 14039. The IRS Form 14039 is an Identity Theft Affidavit. You can use this form to report the identity theft to the IRS and request that they take steps to protect your tax account.
The IRS will typically send you a letter if they believe a fraudulent return has been filed in your name. This letter will provide you with instructions on how to verify your identity and file a corrected return.
If you receive a letter from the IRS about a fraudulent return, it’s important to respond promptly. The IRS will need to verify your identity before they can take any action on your behalf.
You can verify your identity by:
- Calling the IRS at the number provided in the letter.
- Visiting an IRS office in person.
- Using the IRS’s online Identity Verification Service.
Once you have verified your identity, the IRS will take steps to protect your tax account and prevent the identity thief from filing another fraudulent return in your name.
In addition to the steps outlined above, you may also want to consider:
- Contacting your state tax agency. Your state tax agency may also be able to help you if you’ve been the victim of tax-related identity theft.
- Hiring a tax professional. A tax professional can help you file a corrected return and represent you in dealing with the IRS.
Identity theft can be a stressful and frustrating experience, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. The IRS and other government agencies are here to help you. By following the steps outlined above, you can protect your finances and your identity.
Here are some additional tips to help you prevent tax-related identity theft:
- Use strong passwords and don’t share them with anyone.
- Be careful about what information you share online.
- Shred any documents that contain your personal information before you throw them away.
- File your taxes early. This will make it more difficult for an identity thief to file a fraudulent return in your name.
- Monitor your credit reports and bank statements for any suspicious activity.
By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from tax-related identity theft.
What to do if someone files a fraudulent tax return in your name
FAQ
What happens if someone else filed my taxes?
What to do if someone falsely claimed you on taxes?
What do I do if someone used my SSN to file taxes?
What should I do if I receive a fraudulent tax return?
If you received an IRS notice concerning the fraudulent return, include a copy of the notice. Mail the form and documents to the address shown in your notice. TurboTax Tip: The IRS only notifies taxpayers of issues by mail. The IRS will not initiate contact with you by phone or via email. If you receive such calls or emails, they are likely a scam.
What if someone uses my information to file a fraudulent tax return?
If someone uses your information to file a fraudulent tax return, the person is looking to get your tax refund. You’ll want to work with the IRS as soon as you discover the identity theft to ensure that your actual return is processed as quickly as possible.
How do I get a copy of a fraudulent tax return?
File your tax return by mail and attach Form 14039 if your taxes are due. You can request a copy of the fraudulent return from the IRS to find out what’s been filed in your name. Don’t wait to file your tax return until the issue is resolved: Mail in your return by the tax filing deadline and continue to work on resolution with the IRS.
What happens if you file a fraudulent tax return?
When someone has enough of your personal information to file a fraudulent tax return, they can use your identity to commit other crimes. In addition to alerting the IRS, you should consider placing a freeze on your credit report file with all three credit bureaus to prevent unauthorized accounts from being opened.