IRS - Taxpayer
Guide to Identity Theft
For 2016, the IRS, the states and the tax industry joined
together to enact new safeguards and take additional
actions to combat tax-related identity theft. Many of these safeguards will be
invisible to you, but invaluable to our fight against these criminal
syndicates. If you prepare your own return with tax software, you will see new
log-on standards. Some states also have taken additional steps. See your state revenue agency’s web site for additional
details.
We also know identity theft is a frustrating process for
victims. If you become a victim, we are committed to resolving your case as
quickly as possible.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Click the link below to access IRS Form 14039
