1. Report the Fraud. If your Social Security number was compromised and you think you may be the victim of tax-related identity theft, file a report with your local police and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at or by calling the FTC Identity Theft Hotline at 1-877-438-4338.
Someone filed my taxes without my permission. When you discover another a tax return has been filed with your Social Security number, you'll use IRS Form 14039 to alert the IRS. After you complete Form 14039, mail it to the IRS with a copy of your Social Security card and driver's license.
What to do if you are a victim
- Report the fraud by calling the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490 immediately.
- Go to your local police department to obtain a police report.
- Contact one of the three major credit reporting bureaus and ask them to place a “fraud alert” on your credit report.
To see if your Social Security number is being used by someone else for employment purposes, review your Social Security Statement at to look for suspicious activity. Finally, you'll want to use additional scrutiny by regularly checking your bank and credit card accounts online.
The IRS offers resources to assist in cases where you believe it may have happened to you. First, you should file an Identity Theft Affidavit (IRS Form 14039) as soon as possible to let the IRS know that someone is using your identity. You can also call the IRS at 1-800-908-4490.
To see if your Social Security number is being used by someone else for employment purposes, review your Social Security Statement at to look for suspicious activity. Finally, you'll want to use additional scrutiny by regularly checking your bank and credit card accounts online.
First, you should file an Identity Theft Affidavit (IRS Form 14039) as soon as possible to let the IRS know that someone is using your identity. You can also call the IRS at 1-800-908-4490. The IRS sends this letter to verify your identity and confirm whether or not you submitted the return.
Clues That Someone Has Stolen Your Information
- You see withdrawals from your bank account that you can't explain.
- You don't get your bills or other mail.
- Merchants refuse your checks.
- Debt collectors call you about debts that aren't yours.
- You find unfamiliar accounts or charges on your credit report.
You cannot get your W-2 online. You get a W-2 from your employer. Or you can pay the Social Security Administration $86 for it if it is for a previous year. Or you can get a wage and income transcript from the IRS that will show wages reported by an employer to the IRS.
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- Contact your employer. You should first ask your employer to give you a copy of your W-2.
- Contact the IRS. If you exhaust your options with your employer and you have not received your W-2, call the IRS at 800-829-1040.
- File on time. Your tax return is due by April 15, 2014.
If someone else receives your W2, you're more susceptible to identity theft. This isn't always in your control; your Social Security number may have been stolen in a data breach, someone might have stolen your mail, or your W2 was sent to the wrong address and the recipient filed a fraudulent return in your name.
If you believe someone is using your Social Security number to work, get your tax refund, or other abuses involving taxes, contact the IRS online or call 1-800-908-4490. You can order free credit reports annually from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion).
Answer:
- You can get a wage and income transcript, containing the Federal tax information your employer reported to the Social Security Administration (SSA), by visiting our Get Transcript page.
- You can also use Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return.
If you think you are a victim of mail theft, officials ask you to report it immediately online at report or by calling 877-876-2455.
Report the fraud by calling the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490 immediately. You will likely be asked to obtain a police report, fill out an IRS Theft Affidavit Form 14039 and send proof of your identity (such as copy of a Social Security Card, driver's license, or passport).
What to Do if You're a Victim of Tax Identity Theft
- Complete a paper return.
- File Form 14039.
- File a police report.
- File a report with the Federal Trade Commission.
- Request a copy of the fraudulent return.
- Check your credit reports and account statements.
- Put a credit freeze on your accounts.
- Get a PIN for tax filing.
First, you should file an Identity Theft Affidavit (IRS Form 14039) as soon as possible to let the IRS know that someone is using your identity. You can also call the IRS at 1-800-908-4490. If someone filed a return in your name, visit IdentityTheft.gov for tips to recover from identity theft.
In most cases, the IRS doesn't monitor check deposits or bank transactions unless it has a distinct reason to do so. The IRS considers the following situations worthy of monitoring: Cash or Check Deposits of $10,000 or More: It doesn't matter if you're depositing cash or cashing a check.
You can't. If someone files before you then your return will reject. Then you will have to print and mail your return. The IRS will send you both letters to determine who can claim your child.
The IRS offers resources to assist in cases where you believe it may have happened to you. First, you should file an Identity Theft Affidavit (IRS Form 14039) as soon as possible to let the IRS know that someone is using your identity. You can also call the IRS at 1-800-908-4490.
Call the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit right away at 800-908-4490. Create a file with every piece of paperwork you can get your hands on, dating back several years, to help prove you are who you say you are. File a police report and an IRS ID Theft Affidavit Form 14039. Be patient.
You can also call the IRS at 1-800-908-4490. If you received a 5071C Letter from the IRS, it means the IRS received a return with your name and/or Social Security number and suspects it may not be from you. The IRS sends this letter to verify your identity and confirm whether or not you submitted the return.
Here's what happens in this situation: You may receive a Letter 4883C from the IRS asking you to verify your identity within 30 days. You follow the letter's instructions to verify your identity: You must have the letter with you when you call the Taxpayer Protection Program.
