If you suspect you are the victim of fraud or identity theft, you need to act quickly to mitigate the impact.
Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes nationwide, and refund fraud caused by identity theft is one of the biggest challenges facing the IRS.
Zinner's professionals have extensive experience helping clients recover from tax related identity theft.
What is tax-related identity theft?
Tax-related identity theft occurs when someone uses your stolen Social Security number to file a tax return and claim a fraudulent refund.
Generally, an identity thief will use your SSN to file a false return early in the year. You may be unaware you are a victim until you try to file your taxes and learn that one has already been filed using your SSN.
Tips to protect you from becoming a victim of identity theft:
- Don’t carry your Social Security card or any documents that include your Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) on your person.
- Don’t give a business your SSN or ITIN just because they ask. Give it only when required.
- Protect your financial information.
- Routinely check your credit report.
- Secure personal information in your home.
- Protect your personal computers by using firewalls and anti-spam/virus software, updating security patches, and changing passwords for Internet accounts.
- Don’t give personal information over the phone, through the mail, or on the Internet unless you have initiated the contact or you are sure you know who you are dealing with.
Signs of Tax-related Identity Theft
- E-filing of return is rejected.
- Taxpayer receives correspondence to confirm that they have filed return before they actually file their return
- Taxpayer receives a bill from the IRS where no return has been filed.
- Taxpayer receives notices from IRS indicating wages not earned, a W-2 From from employer did not work, SS benefits adjusted/denied, and SS earnings statement include earnings where taxpayer did not work.
- Taxpayer receives notice from IRS they may be a victim.
