How do I report identity theft on my tax return?

Report Identity Theft to the IRS Call the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490 for guidance. Complete Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, to prove that you’re the real taxpayer (or on behalf of a deceased spouse or relative whose personal information was used to file a fraudulent tax return).

How taxpayers can encounter identity theft involving their tax returns?

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.

How do I report identity theft to the FBI?

Report Fraud If you’re a victim of identity theft or have information about these types of crimes, you can: Visit identitytheft.gov for steps you can take to report and recover. Report the crime to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) if the identity theft occurred online.

Does FBI investigate identity theft?

As this Subcommittee is well aware, the FBI, along with other federal law enforcement agencies, investigates and prosecutes individuals who use the identities of others to carry out violations of federal criminal law. Identity theft is not new to law enforcement.

The IRS also advises that if you believe you may become a victim of identity theft, you should call the Identity Protection Specialized Unit (IPSU), toll-free at 1-800-908-4490. The IPSU is available from 7 A.M to 7 P.M. in your local time zone.

Is tax identity theft common?

From 2015 to 2019, there was an 80% decline (677,000 to 137,000) in the number of taxpayers who filed IRS identity theft affidavits—a form you attach to your tax return if you’re the victim of tax identity theft.

What happens when you report identity theft to the IRS?

Tax-related identity theft occurs when someone uses your stolen personal information, including your Social Security number, to file a tax return claiming a fraudulent refund. If you suspect you are a victim of identity theft, continue to pay your taxes and file your tax return, even if you must file a paper return.

How is identity theft related to tax filing?

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. You may be unaware that this has happened until you efile your return and discover that a return already has been filed using your SSN.

When do you know you are a victim of identity theft?

You may not know you’re a victim of identity theft until you’re notified by the IRS of a possible issue with your return. You get a letter from the IRS inquiring about a suspicious tax return that you did not file.

How to protect your personal information from identity theft?

Treat your personal information like cash; don’t leave it lying around. Use strong, unique passwords; consider a password manager. Use multi-factor authentication when it’s offered. Give personal and financial information only over encrypted websites; look for “https” addresses. Back up your files.

What to do if your Social Security number is stolen?

IRS records indicate you received wages or other income from an employer you didn’t work for. There are steps you can take if your Social Security number or other personal information is compromised. The IRS, state tax agencies and the tax industry need your help to fight back against identity thieves. See Taxes. Security. Together.