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Tax Refund Scams

With tax season upon us, scammers see tax refunds as an opportunity to continue their crooked ways. Tax-related identity theft happens when someone utilizes your stolen personal information, which includes your Social Security number, to file a tax return and claim a fraudulent refund.

Signs of Tax Identity Theft:

Most people are not aware that they have been a victim of identity theft until they are notified by the IRS via mail of a possible issue with their return. Remain vigilant and be on the lookout for the following signs of identity theft:

  • You get a letter from the IRS inquiring about a suspicious tax return that you did not file.

  • You can’t e-file your tax return because of a duplicate Social Security number.

  • You get a tax transcript in the mail that you did not request.

  • You get an IRS notice that an online account has been created in your name.

  • You get an IRS notice that your existing online account has been accessed or disabled when you took no action.

  • You get an IRS notice that you owe additional tax or refund offset, or that you have had collection actions taken against you for a year you did not file a tax return.

  • IRS records indicate you received wages or other income from an employer you didn’t work for.

  • You’ve been assigned an Employer Identification Number, but you did not request an EIN.
     

If you are a victim of Tax Identity Theft:

If you suspect you are a victim of tax identity theft, be sure to continue to pay your taxes and file your tax return, even if you must file a paper return. This way you avoid any issues with the IRS directly as the fraud is rectified.

If your Social Security number is compromised and you know or suspect you are a victim of tax-related identity theft, the IRS recommends these actions:

  • Respond immediately to any IRS notice: Call the number provided, or locate the number via the IRS.gov website.

  • If your e-filed return is rejected because of a duplicate filing under your Social Security number, or if the IRS instructs you to do so, complete Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit PDF. Attach Form 14039 to the back of your completed paper tax return and mail to the IRS location based upon the state you reside. If you prefer, you have the option to submit the Form 14039 online and mail your paper return separately.

  • Visit IdentityTheft.gov for steps you should take right away to protect yourself and your financial accounts.

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