Tax-related identity theft occurs when someone uses your stolen personal information, including your Social Security number, to file a tax return claiming a fraudulent refund. If you suspect you are a victim of identity theft, continue to pay your taxes and file your tax return, even if you must file a paper return.

What to do if someone illegally claimed you on their taxes?

If you know who improperly claimed you or your dependent, you can ask them to file an amended return to fix the problem. This process takes time, though. You’ll still likely need to paper file your tax return to get it in on time. In other cases, you may not know who incorrectly claimed you or your dependent.

Can you request a copy of a fraudulent tax return?

IRS records indicate you received wages from an employer you did not work for. If you are the victim of identity theft and a fraudulent tax return was filed with your or your dependent’s social security number you can request a copy of that fraudulent tax return.

What to do if you are a victim of tax fraud?

You may also need to file a police report and a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission on their website if you’re a victim of tax return fraud. Important: If you efiled your tax return and the IRS rejected it because your SSN was misused, you will need to paper file your return.

How to prevent identity theft and fraudulent tax returns?

You would then receive a masked or redacted tax return transcript of the fraudulent tax return filed using your SSN. Complete Form 4506-F or Identity Theft Victim’s Request for Copy of Fraudulent Tax Return. The mailing address is on the form. How Are Identities Stolen?

Why is the IRS returning requests for fraudulent returns?

Due to federal privacy laws, the IRS cannot disclose information to a person who is listed on a fraudulently filed tax return unless that person’s name and SSN is listed as the primary or secondary taxpayer on the return. I received a letter returning my request because it was for a business. Why is the IRS returning requests for business returns?