Identity Protection
OnGuardOnline.gov is the federal government’s website to help you be safe, secure, and responsible online.
The Federal Trade Commission manages OnGuardOnline.gov, in partnership with various other federal agencies. OnGuardOnline.gov is a partner in the Stop Think Connect campaign, led by the Department of Homeland Security, and part of the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education, led by the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
The Federal Trade Commission manages OnGuardOnline.gov, in partnership with various other federal agencies. OnGuardOnline.gov is a partner in the Stop Think Connect campaign, led by the Department of Homeland Security, and part of the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education, led by the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Identity Theft
Identity theft is a major and growing issue in the United States today. Social Security Numbers and Tax Records are two key areas targeted by identity thieves. The IRS has issued Publication 5027 to provide information for taxpayers regarding this issue.
The first sign most taxpayers get that they have been the victim of identity theft for tax filing purposes is when their e-filed return is rejected by the IRS. If a return was filed with the IRS and they deem it suspicious they may send a letter called "Letter 5071C" asking that you verify your identity. It will include a couple ways to verify it: via a phone number or through the IRS's Identity Verification Service. You should have your date of birth, SSN, and prior year returns and supporting documents in front of you when calling.
This online service is the quickest method and will ask you multiple-choice questions to verify whether or not the tax return flagged for further identity verification was filed by you or someone else. The IRS only sends such notices by mail. The IRS will not request that you verify your identity by contacting you by phone or through email.
If your return has been rejected, we will first confirm that the Social Security number was entered correctly, and if so, then we will contact you to make sure that no other returns had already been filed for the year. Presuming this is also not the case, then you are generally a victim of tax identity theft.
If you suspect you may be a victim of Identity Theft or we have informed you that you are, below is information to help you through the process of resolving this matter.
We would highly encourage you to take the following steps:
Kongs & Seib, P.A. is here to help you through this process.
The first sign most taxpayers get that they have been the victim of identity theft for tax filing purposes is when their e-filed return is rejected by the IRS. If a return was filed with the IRS and they deem it suspicious they may send a letter called "Letter 5071C" asking that you verify your identity. It will include a couple ways to verify it: via a phone number or through the IRS's Identity Verification Service. You should have your date of birth, SSN, and prior year returns and supporting documents in front of you when calling.
This online service is the quickest method and will ask you multiple-choice questions to verify whether or not the tax return flagged for further identity verification was filed by you or someone else. The IRS only sends such notices by mail. The IRS will not request that you verify your identity by contacting you by phone or through email.
If your return has been rejected, we will first confirm that the Social Security number was entered correctly, and if so, then we will contact you to make sure that no other returns had already been filed for the year. Presuming this is also not the case, then you are generally a victim of tax identity theft.
If you suspect you may be a victim of Identity Theft or we have informed you that you are, below is information to help you through the process of resolving this matter.
We would highly encourage you to take the following steps:
- File a report with your local police department. Get copies of the theft report to file with insurance companies.
- Contact the IRS at the Identity Protection Specialized Unit, toll-free at 1-800-908-4490.
- Submit IRS Form 14039 – Identity Theft Affidavit. This usually must be accompanied by a copy of your Social Security card and driver’s license. If you don’t have a driver’s license, you can substitute a U.S. Passport, military ID or other government-issued identification card. If you received an IRS notice concerning the fraudulent return, include a copy of the notice. Mail the form and documents to the address shown in your notice. If you did not receive an IRS notice, mail the documents to: Internal Revenue Service, PO Box 9039, Andover, MA 01810-0939
- File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at www.identitytheft.gov or the FTC Identity Theft Hotline at 1-877-438-4338 or TTY 1-866-653-4261.
- Contact one of the three major credit bureaus to place a ‘fraud alert’ on your credit records:
- Equifax, www.Equifax.com, 1-800-525-6285
- Experian, www.Experian.com, 1-888-397-3742
- TransUnion, www.TransUnion.com, 1-800-680-7289
- Close any financial accounts that were opened without your permission or tampered with.
- Forward any correspondence received from any tax agencies to our office concerning this matter.
- Respond immediately to any IRS notice.
- Continue to pay your taxes and file your tax return, even if you must do so by paper filing.
Kongs & Seib, P.A. is here to help you through this process.