Skip to main content

Identity theft is hard enough. That’s why we keep working to make recovering from it easier. It’s also why we’re happy to let you know about an innovative project by the FTC and IRS that lets people report tax-related identity theft to the IRS online, using the FTC’s IdentityTheft.gov website to file IRS Form 14039.

 

IdentityTheft.gov website on a laptop, smartphone, and tablet.Tax-related identity theft happens when someone uses your stolen Social Security number (SSN) to file a tax return and claim your refund. You might find out about it when you try to e-file — only to find that someone else already has submitted a return — or when the IRS sends you a letter saying it has identified a suspicious tax return that used your SSN. That’s when you’ll need to file an IRS Identity Theft Affidavit (IRS Form 14039), so that the IRS can begin resolving your case.

 

Now, you can report to the IRS through IdentityTheft.gov. It’s the only place you can submit your IRS Form 14039 electronically. Here’s how it works: IdentityTheft.gov will first ask you questions to collect the information the IRS needs, then use your information to populate the Form 14039 and let you review it. Once you’re satisfied, you can submit the Form 14039 to the IRS through IdentityTheft.gov. Download a copy for your own records, too. About 30 days later, the IRS will send you a letter confirming it received the information.

 

While you’re at IdentityTheft.gov, you’ll also get help making an identity theft recovery plan, with guidance including how to place a fraud alert on your credit files, check your credit reports, and take other steps to stop the identity theft from harming other of your accounts. IdentityTheft.gov also will help you resolve other identity theft problems.

 

Remember, though — filing the Affidavit doesn’t eliminate the need to pay your taxes. If you couldn’t e-file your tax return, you’ll still need to mail it to the IRS and pay any taxes you owe.

 

We hope you don’t run into problems with identity theft. But if you or someone you know does, visit IdentityTheft.gov to report it and get fast and effective recovery help.

Search Terms
identity theft
IRS
Social Security number
tax
Topics
Shopping and Donating
Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts
Sandi
April 03, 2018
Folks should also be aware that people may use your SSN for work purposes when they do not have one of their own. They may not file a tax return, but the victims will get a letter claiming they earned more than they reported on the tax return. I worked with a 75 year old female on the west coast who allegedly worked construction the previous year in the south. Obviously, she did not work construction, but the letter from the IRS said she earned an additional $35,000.00.
Beta
April 04, 2018
I think you guys do some great work. I really appreciate the emails that I get to try and keep my financial profile safe. However, if I file an identity theft form, waiting 30 days for a reply seems like a very long time.
ds.wz
April 04, 2018
I want to join.
yukon2008
April 04, 2018
sksd425 I received a call from 4156597046 from a man named Julian Williams who claimed to be an IRS agent from IRS criminal investigation unit informing me that I was being sued by IRS for Tax fraud from 2012-2017 for 5,072.00 and unless I paid or at least put down 500 today a letter would arrive informing me of the suit and I could be arrested.
Amojoy
April 09, 2018

In reply to by yukon2008

The IRS will never call anyone about an issue. The IRS always send a certified letter. If you received a call, it is likely to be a scam to steal your identity.
IRS Clerk
April 05, 2018
This can be very helpful. Will save email for my records. In light of an episode a few years back I have already taken steps to secure my credit. No problems since then.
Sue
April 07, 2018
Who is making money from this newest waste of time? Hackers can still submit false claims to cms and get paid outrageous sums.
lps
April 10, 2018
There is not an easy way to just report phone numbers that state they are from the IRS. I would report the number if I could find a way to do it on your website; no identity theft was involved.
ShoSho
April 20, 2018
For 2 weeks I've been receiving to go calls telling me that Microsoft Support is going out of business and they want to refund money to me. The number they are calling from is 1-888-864-3718.I'm not returning the calls. Just curious if anyone else is getting these calls. Three weeks ago I received a call that my hackers are trying to get into my computer and they needed to fix it. I told the guy I was busy and to call back which he did. After that I ignored the calls and they stopped. It's absolutely ridiculous that these people have nothing better to do than scam others. Once I hear the thick accent, I know it's a scam.
carolyn
July 19, 2018
I have not been answering phone calls from unknown calls. there was a voicemail that stated I was to be arrested by Federal Agents unless I paid back taxes. so I called the number I could not understand what the person on the other end was saying of course I the was transferred to another Federal Agent. This person would not hang up he kept me on the phone in my car no matter where I went he would not hang up.he told me that if I did not do what he said he would have me arrested.
Robin york
May 05, 2021
Someone. Used. My ssn to file taxes to file taxes know i haven't got my stimulus
Stephanie 1
August 26, 2021
Why haven't I received anything from the IRS yet regarding dependants identity affidavit forms it's been almost 180 and nothing
Return to top