The Internal Revenue Service (IRS), states and tax industry have created new security features to protect you from tax-related identity theft. Tax-related identity theft involves someone stealing your social security number to file a tax return. Such filing becomes a fraudulent refund processed by an individual who victimizes a taxpayer by stealing their social security number. The IRS will send you a letter in the mail stating your return was identified as suspicious. The IRS is committed to resolving any form of identity theft issues swiftly for taxpayers.
Know the Warning Signs of Tax-related Identity Theft
Observe any warning signs if contacted by the IRS or your tax preparer
- You received documents stating taxes owed, refund offset or collection action against you for a year you did not file.
- IRS received wages or income records for you from an employer you did not work for.
- More than one tax return was filed with the IRS using your social security number.
Follow these steps if you suspect you are a victim of identity theft
- File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission on their website identitytheft.gov.
- Contact credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit report.
- Contact financial institutions and verify if any accounts were opened without your permission.
- Respond immediately to notices sent by the IRS.
- Complete an Identity Theft Affidavit form with the IRS.
- Continue filing your tax return via paper form and pay your taxes.
Reduce your risk of Identity Theft
- If you file your return always use security software with firewall and anti-virus protections along with strong passwords.
- Recognize and avoid phishing emails, calls or texts from individuals posing as your financial institution, credit card companies and IRS.
- Do not click on links or download attachments from suspicious emails you receive.
- Keep in mind the IRS will never contact you via email or text messages to request personal or financial information.
- Report suspicious online or emailed phishing scams to phishing@irs.gov.
- If you suspect phishing scams by phone, fax or mail you can always call 1-800-366-4484.
- If someone is impersonating an IRS agent report to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration’s.
Always do your part in protecting your identity by storing in a safe place and not sharing personal with others.