Someone uses your social security number to file a fraudulent tax return to claim a refund or get a job. An employer’s tax identification is stolen to create a false Forms W-2 to support fraudulent refunds.
When To Know Your Identity Has Been Stolen – The IRS Send You A Notice:
• You filed more than one tax return using your social security number.
• You received wages from an unfamiliar employer.
• Your refund was offset with a balance due for a year you did not file or have not filed a return yet.
• You failed to report all your income.
• You owe taxes for a year when you did not file.
• You return is accepted as an amended return but you have not filed a return for that year.
What To Do If You Are A Victim Of Identity Theft:
• Respond to the IRS notice immediately and maybe directed to IDVerify.IRS.gov to authenticate your identity.
• Complete IRS Form 14039 Identity Theft Affidavit to allow the IRS to put an indicator for suspicious activities.
• You should continue to file your income tax return on paper and pay taxes owed while your case is being researched.
• Call the IRS identity protection specialized unit assistance at 1-800-908-4490: 1) report the fraud; 2) send a copy of police report or copy of the completed Form 14039 Identity Theft Affidavit and proof of your identify.
• Place a fraud alert on your credit reports by contacting one of the three credit reporting companies. The company you’re called must notify the other two companies about your alert. Fraud alert is free.
The three credit reporting companies contact information is as follows: 1) Equifax 1-800-525-6285 www.equifax.com; 2) Experian 1-888-397-3742 www.experian.com; 3) TransUnion 1-800-680-7289 www.transunion.com
• Keep track of the dates you made calls and keep copies of letters you sent.
• Visit the following websites for more information: IdentityTheft.gov; ftc.gov/idtheft
Some Tips and Steps on How to Keep Your Personal Information Secure:
• Beware of Impersonators. Do not give your personal information on the phone, over the internet unless you know who you are dealing with.
• The decision to share your social security number is yours. Ask questions before deciding to share.
• Avoid phishing e-mails. Do not open attachment or download programs unfamiliar to you.
• Before your throw prescription bottles, make sure to destroy the labels.
• Visit the office and request a vacation on hold for your mails if you know you will not be home for several days.
• Put your financial documents and personal records in a safe place.
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Al-os & Associates Accountancy Corporation provides accounting and tax services to individuals, corporations, LLCs and business entities. The Firm has a niche in defending.
