Tips for Taxpayers, Victims about Identity Theft and Tax Returns

Identity theft remains a top priority for the Internal Revenue Service in 2014. Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes nationwide, and refund fraud caused by identity theft is one of the biggest challenges facing the IRS. This year, the IRS continues to take new steps and strong actions to protect taxpayers and help victims of identity theft and refund fraud. Stopping refund fraud related to identity theft is a top priority for the tax agency. The IRS is focused on preventing, detecting and resolving identity theft cases as soon as possible. The IRS has more than 3,000 employees working on identity theft cases. We have trained more than 35,000 employees who work with taxpayers to recognize and provide assistance when identity theft occurs. Taxpayers can encounter identity theft involving their tax returns in several ways. One instance is where identity thieves try filing fraudulent refund claims using another person’s identifying information, which has been stolen. Innocent taxpayers are victimized because their refunds are delayed. Here are some tips to protect you from becoming a victim, and steps to take if you think someone may have filed a tax return using your name: Tips to protect you from becoming a victim of identity theft •Don’t carry your Social Security card or any documents that include your Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). •Don’t give a business your SSN or ITIN just because they ask. Give it only when required. •Protect your financial information. •Check your credit report every 12 months. •Secure personal information in your home. •Protect your personal computers by using firewalls and anti-spam/virus software, updating security patches and changing passwords for Internet accounts. •Don’t give personal information over the phone, through the mail or on the Internet unless you have initiated the contact or you are sure you know who you are dealing with. If your tax records are not currently affected by identity theft, but you believe you may be at risk due to a lost or stolen purse or wallet, questionable credit card activity or credit report, contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 800-908-4490, extension 245 (Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. local time; Alaska and Hawaii follow Pacific time). If you believe you’re a victim of identity theft Be alert to possible identity theft if you receive a notice from the IRS or learn from your tax professional that: •More than one tax return for you was filed; •You have a balance due, 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 more wages than you actually earned or •Your state or federal benefits were reduced or cancelled because the agency received information reporting an income change. If you receive a notice from the IRS and you suspect your identity has been used fraudulently, respond immediately by calling the number on the notice. If you did not receive an IRS notice but believe you’ve been the victim of identity theft, contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 800-908-4490, extension 245 right away so we can take steps to secure your tax account and match your SSN or ITIN. Also, fill out the IRS Identity Theft Affidavit, Form 14039. Please write legibly and follow the directions on the back of the form that relate to your specific circumstances. In addition, we recommend you take additional steps with agencies outside the IRS: •Report incidents of identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission at www.consumer.ftc.gov or the FTC Identity Theft hotline at 877-438-4338 or TTY 866-653-4261. •File a report with the local police. •Contact the fraud departments of the three major credit bureaus: •Equifax – www.equifax.com, 800-525-6285 •Experian – www.experian.com, 888-397-3742 •TransUnion – www.transunion.com, 800-680-7289 •Close any accounts that have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.