Tax identity theft occurs when an identity thief uses a taxpayer’s stolen identity to file a fraudulent return and claim the identity theft victim’s tax refund. Thieves invent phony wages or other income, submit the information electronically, and receive the fraudulent refund via mail or direct deposit.
How can identity theft affect your taxes?
- How Identity Theft Affects your Taxes. There are several situations in which identity theft can affect the processing of a tax return. Most involve someone misusing someone’s Social Security number (SSN), which the IRS uses to make sure the filing is accurate and complete and that they get any refund they are due. It could be a sign
How does tax identity theft happen?
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.
Can someone steal your identity with your tax return?
If someone has enough of your personal information to file a tax return in your name, they also could be opening fraudulent credit accounts with your data. Check your credit score regularly in case there’s a sudden, unexplained drop. If this happens, it could be a sign that you’re a victim of identity theft.
How can tax identity theft occur quizlet?
This Identity Theft shows itself through fraudulent tax refund claims. Criminals send these claims to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) using stolen personal details such as your social security number (SSN) and name. This can delay your ability to access legitimate tax refunds, causing frustration and loss of funds.
What happens if someone filed taxes in your name?
If someone uses your information to file a fraudulent tax return, he or she is looking to get your tax refund. You’ll want to work with the IRS as soon as you discover the identity theft to ensure that your actual return is processed as quickly as possible.
Why does the IRS not recognize my Social Security number?
Generally, you get this message when there is an error with your last name or Social Security number. According to the IRS, this message can pop up if you have multiple or hyphenated last names. Contact the IRS support line at 800-829-1040 to identify the issue and verify what they have on file.
What if someone filed my taxes without me knowing?
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.
Can someone take my tax refund?
Federal law allows only state and federal government agencies (not individual or private creditors) to take your refund as payment toward a debt. However, once you deposit the refund into your bank account, these rules no longer apply.
How can you find out if someone filed your taxes?
Consult With the IRS IRS officials can review the current status of your tax return to determine whether or not someone has already filed a return using your identity. Contact the IRS at 1-800-829-0433 if you think someone has filed your taxes without your permission.
What is criminal identity theft and how does it occur?
Criminal identity theft occurs when someone cited or arrested for a crime uses another person’s name and identifying information, resulting in a criminal record being created in that person’s name.
How can social identity theft occur?
Identity theft or identity fraud happens when a thief gains access to personal information like your name, address, credit card or bank account numbers, Social Security number, phone or utility account numbers, passwords, or medical insurance numbers—and uses that information for their economic gain.
What are the two types of identity theft?
The three most common types of identity theft are financial, medical and online.
How do I find out if someone used my Social Security number to file taxes?
It’s a one-stop resource managed by the Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency. 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.
How can I check if my SSN is being used?
To see if your Social Security number is being used by someone else for employment purposes, review your Social Security Statement at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount to look for suspicious activity. Finally, you’ll want to use additional scrutiny by regularly checking your bank and credit card accounts online.
How long does it take IRS to investigate identity theft?
How long does that take? It depends on the complexity of your problem. The IRS says that it resolves tax identity theft cases in 120 to 180 days, depending on your circumstances. But in many instances, victims of complex tax identity theft have experienced resolution times of more than one year.