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Identity Theft

 

Identity Theft & Your Taxes

Tax scammers use email ("phishing"), fax, phone calls, and letters to steal personal information, money, and file fraudulent tax returns in your name.

Common Tax Identity Theft Scams

Phone Scam

Scammers pretend to be IRS agents, falsely claiming:

  • You owe money and must pay immediately to avoid penalties.
  • A warrant will be issued for your arrest.
  • Law enforcement, deportation, or license revocation will follow if payment is not made.
  • They spoof IRS phone numbers on caller ID to appear credible.

Email Phishing Scam

Scammers send fake IRS emails that:

  • Appear to be from the IRS or Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS).
  • Contain links to fraudulent websites mimicking the IRS.
  • Attempt to steal personal and financial information (e.g., SSNs, bank accounts).

Fraudulent IRS Refund Emails

Scammers claim you are eligible for a refund and request your financial details to "process" it.

Fake Tax Transcript Emails

Bogus IRS emails labeled "Tax Account Transcript" contain malware or viruses meant to infect your device.

What to Do if You Receive a Suspicious Email or Call

  • Do NOT click any links or open attachments.
  • Forward phishing emails to phishing@IRS.gov.
  • Call the IRS at 800-366-4484 to report scams.

 

How the IRS Contacts Taxpayers

  • The IRS NEVER contacts taxpayers by email, social media, or text messages to request personal or financial information.
  • IRS phone calls and faxes are rare. If you receive an unexpected call or fax, verify legitimacy by calling 800-829-1040.

 

Fraudulent Tax Returns

An identity thief may fraudulently file a tax return under your name using your Social Security Number (SSN). You may not realize your identity has been stolen until:

  • Your e-filed return is rejected because an SSN has already been used.
  • You receive an IRS notice about:
  • Multiple returns filed under your name.
  • Unpaid tax balances or collections for a year you did not file.
  • IRS records showing income from an employer you never worked for.

What to Do if You Receive an IRS Notice

  • Contact the IRS immediately using the phone number on the notice.
  • You will need to file Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) and provide verification details.

 

IRS Identity Theft Victim Assistance (IDTVA)

If you suspect identity theft due to stolen personal information, contact the IDTVA at 800-908-4490.

  • Complete Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) to:
    • Inform the IRS that your tax account has been compromised.
    • Request IRS monitoring for potential fraud.
  • Provide details on impacted tax years, your address, and government-issued identification.

 

Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) Program

If IDTVA confirms tax-related identity theft, the IRS may issue you an IP PIN to:

  • Bypass the identity theft filter for legitimate returns.
  • Prevent fraudulent returns from being processed under your SSN.

Key Facts About Your IP PIN:

  • It is six digits long and issued annually.
  • IRS mails the IP PIN letter—they do NOT send it via email or fax.
  • You must enter all six digits on Form 1040 next to the occupation line.
  • If you lose your IP PIN letter, retrieve it at www.irs.gov by searching "Retrieve Your Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)."

Unexpected IP PIN Letters

The IRS may send an IP PIN letter to taxpayers unaware of identity theft issues.

  • Call IDTVA (800-908-4490) to verify legitimacy if you receive an unexpected IP PIN letter.

For more identity theft protection tips, visit www.irs.gov.