Identity Theft And Your Taxes - 2021 - CPA Clinics
Your identity and money can be stolen in a tax-related scam via email (“phishing”), fax, phone, or letters. Some recent examples of identity theft scams are:
A bogus phone call where you are told you owe the IRS money and threatened that a warrant will be issued for your arrest. Variations include the threat of other law-enforcement agency intervention, deportation, or revocation of licenses. Some scam artists program their computers to display IRS phone numbers on your Caller ID.
A bogus email that appears to be from the IRS or a program closely related to the IRS, such as the Electronic Federal Tax Payment system (EFTPS), that attempts to trick you into revealing personal and financial information. The email includes links to bogus websites intended to mirror the official IRS website.
The bogus email carries an attachment labeled “Tax Account Transcript” or something similar, and the subject line uses some variation of the phrase “tax transcript.” The attachment may contain a computer virus or malware.
A bogus email, claiming to come from the IRS, tells you that you are eligible to receive a tax refund for a given amount if you just follow the instructions in the email.
If you receive a tax-related phishing email, do not click on the links or open any attachments. Forward the email to phishing@irs.gov or call the IRS at 800-366-4484.
An identity thief might use your Social Security Number to fraudulently file a tax return and claim a refund. You could be completely unaware that your identity has been stolen until your return is rejected for e-filing or you get an IRS notice or letter.
Your electronically-filed return is rejected because the Social Security Number belonging to you, your spouse, or a
dependent has already been used on a tax return.
You receive an IRS notice or letter stating that:
You should respond immediately to the name and phone number printed on the IRS notice or letter. You will be asked to complete Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, and provide identifying information.
If you believe there is a risk of identity theft due to lost or stolen personal information, contact the IDTVA immediately so the agency can take action to secure your tax account
Form 14039 has two purposes.
