Clues to Tax-Related Identity Theft

From Linda Loraine - Ind Distributor Legal Shield

 As with most types of identity theft, a victim of tax-related identity theft will not know someone else used their Social Security number (SSN) on a fraudulent tax return as soon as it happens. There is a delay between the criminal using the stolen SSN and the taxpayer finding out they are a victim.

The following are signs that may indicate your Social Security number was stolen and used for the purpose of getting a fraudulent tax refund:

• You are told that you cannot file your tax return electronically because a return associated with your SSN was already received by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

• You received correspondence (by postal mail) from the IRS stating any of the following:

More than one tax return was filed for you

Additional tax is owed by you

A refund offset was taken

Collection actions were taken against you for a year, you did not file a tax return

IRS records show you received wages from an employer unknown to you

What Should I Do First?

If you are filing electronically and are told that you cannot submit your return via the internet, print your complete form, attach the necessary documents and mail it to the appropriate office. See http://www.irs.gov/uac/Where-To-File-Addresses-for-Tax-Professionals to determine where your return needs to be sent. In this case or in other situations where you believe you are a victim of tax-related identity theft, submit the IRS Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit with your return. Watch for other correspondence from the IRS and follow instructions within.

Important Notes!

The IRS will NOT contact a taxpayer by email, text, or social media. Their first contact with you and usually all subsequent contacts are done by postal mail. The IRS does NOT call taxpayers to make threats and demand immediate payment. Scammers like to call people and pretend to be IRS agents to try to scare people into paying money.

Linda Loraine -  Independent Associate Legal Shield - Unexpected legal questions arise every day and with LegalShield on your side, you’ll have access to a high-quality law firm for as little as $20 a month. From real estate to document review, speeding tickets to will preparation, and more, our attorneys are here to advise you with any legal matter - no matter how traumatic or how trivial it may seem. Our law firms are paid in advance so their sole focus is on serving you, rather than billing you. With our legal plan you will be protected and empowered to worry less and live more.