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Protect Yourself from Tax Identity Theft

What Is Tax Identity Theft?

Tax identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information to commit tax-related fraud. Scammers might use your Social Security number to file a fraudulent tax return in your name, claim a refund, or request an employer identification number (EIN). This can lead to significant delays in processing your tax return and refund.

How Does Tax Identity Theft Occur?

Identity thieves obtain your personal information through data breaches, phishing scams, or stolen documents. They then file a fake tax return early in the tax season, before you have a chance to file. When you attempt to e-file, the IRS may reject your return because a return has already been filed under your Social Security number.

Signs That Signal Tax Identity Theft

Be alert to the following signs that may indicate tax identity theft:

• You can’t e-file your tax return because the IRS says there’s a duplicate filing.
• The IRS notifies you of a suspicious tax return filed in your name.
• You receive a tax transcript you didn’t request.
• You get an IRS notice about an online account created in your name.
• IRS records show income from an unknown employer.
• You’ve been assigned an EIN you didn’t request.

What to Do if You’re a Victim of Tax Identity Theft

If you suspect you’re a victim of tax identity theft, take these steps:

File and Pay Your Taxes

Even if a duplicate return has been filed, you must file and pay your taxes on time. You may need to submit a paper return.

Submit an Identity Theft Affidavit

Attach Form 14039 to your paper tax return or file it online. The IRS will assign your case to the Identity Theft Victim Assistance unit.

Respond to IRS Notices

Follow the instructions in any IRS notice you receive about suspicious activity. Verify your identity as requested.

Notify Credit Bureaus

Inform Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax that your information has been breached. Request a temporary fraud alert on your credit file.

Check Your Credit Report

Review your credit reports for suspicious activity. You can do this for free at AnnualCreditReport.com.

Take Action on Affected Accounts

Contact lenders or card companies to close any fraudulent accounts. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov.

How to Protect Yourself From Tax Identity Theft

Follow these tips to safeguard your information:

• File your taxes early to reduce the window for fraud.
• Use extra security features on your tax preparation app.
• Work with a trusted tax advisor.
• Request an IRS identity protection (IP) PIN.
• Be alert to phishing scams.
• Use a password manager and strong passwords.
• Shred sensitive documents.
• Don’t carry your Social Security card.

The Bottom Line

Detecting and resolving tax identity theft can be a lengthy process. The stolen information may also be used to open fraudulent accounts, damaging your finances and credit. Consider identity theft protection services to monitor and protect your personal data.

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