How to Avoid Tax-refund ID Theft

10 Steps to Avoiding Tax-Return Identity Theft

1. Leave your Social Security card home. ...
2. Keep your SSN private. ...
3. Make your passwords work for you. ...
4. Protect against computer spam and viruses. ...
5. Keep financial information private. ...
6. Beware of phishing. ...
7. Shred bank and tax documents. ...
8. Reduce credit card solicitations.

1. How long does it take to get your tax refund after identity theft?
2. What happens if someone steals your tax refund check?
3. How do I fix identity theft with the IRS?
4. How do I find out if someone used my Social Security number to file taxes?
5. What do I do if I didn't get a stimulus check?
6. What happens when the IRS wants to verify your identity?
7. Can someone take your tax refund?
8. Can someone steal my tax refund?
9. Can someone else cash my stimulus check?
10. How do I prove my identity to the IRS?
11. Can you get a new Social Security number after identity theft?
12. Does IRS investigate identity theft?

How long does it take to get your tax refund after identity theft?

If you are the victim of income tax identity theft, it still takes an average of 278 days to resolve your claim and get your refund although the IRS routinely tells taxpayers that they can expect their claims to be resolved within a still too long 180 days.

What happens if someone steals your tax refund check?

The IRS will always pay you your refund, regardless of whether it already paid it out to a fraudster. If your tax fraud case hasn't been resolved and you're experiencing financial difficulties because of the holdup with your refund, contact the taxpayer advocate service at 877-777-4778.

How do I fix identity theft with the IRS?

If you did not receive an IRS notice but believe you've been the victim of identity theft, contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 800-908-4490 right away so we can take steps to secure your tax account and match your SSN or ITIN. Also, fill out the IRS Identity Theft Affidavit, Form 14039 PDF.

How do I find out if someone used my Social Security number to file taxes?

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.

What do I do if I didn't get a stimulus check?

If you didn't get your first or second stimulus check, don't worry — you can still claim the payment in 2021 as a tax credit. The stimulus checks are a federal tax credit for the 2020 tax year, known as the Recovery Rebate Credit. You can claim the Recovery Rebate Credit by filing your taxes in 2021 for Tax Year 2020.

What happens when the IRS wants to verify your identity?

If the IRS suspects that a tax return with your name on it is potentially the result of identity theft, the agency will send you a special letter, called a 5071C Letter. This letter is to notify you that the agency received a tax return with your name and Social Security number and it believes it may not be yours.

Can someone take your tax refund?

If you're expecting a tax refund but have concerns about creditors garnishing it, you may be worrying too much. Federal law allows only state and federal government agencies (not individual or private creditors) to take your refund as payment toward a debt.

Can someone steal my tax refund?

If someone has your Social Security number, there's a lot they can do to damage your finances, including filing a fraudulent tax return in your name. Identity thieves file taxes fraudulently to steal whatever tax refund may result, and there's no surefire way to stop it.

Can someone else cash my stimulus check?

Unfortunately, it is possible for someone else to cash your refund check without your knowledge or permission. This can happen if the check ends up at the wrong address or if it's intercepted en route to you. Find out when to expect your check with the IRS' refund status system.

How do I prove my identity to the IRS?

To register and verify your identity, you need:

1. Your personal account number from a: ...
2. A mobile phone associated with your name.
3. Your 5071C letter, 5747C letter, 5447C letter, or 6331C letter.
4. The income tax return (form 1040,1040-PR, 1040-NR, 1040-SR, etc.)

Can you get a new Social Security number after identity theft?

If you decide to apply for a new number, you'll need to prove your identity, age, and U.S. citizenship or immigration status. For more information, ask for Your Social Security Number and Card (Publication Number 05-10002). You'll also need to provide evidence you're having ongoing problems because of the misuse.

Does IRS investigate identity theft?

If the IRS discovers other tax years with identity theft-related issues, the IRS will resolve all the issues before closing out your case. ... For example, if someone is using your taxpayer identification number for employment, the IRS won't know it, unless the IRS selects your return for audit or an underreporter inquiry.