Identity Theft

Steps to take in case of tax-related ID theft

Immediate Steps for Taxpayers

  • Secure Your Personal Information - Change passwords for your online accounts, especially those related to financial institutions, credit cards, and email. Ensure your computer has up-to-date antivirus software .

  • Contact Local Law Enforcement - Save a copy of the police report. It may be needed to verify the theft and steps taken.

  • Contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 800-908-4490, extension 245. If you suspect or know that your identity has been stolen, report the incident to the IRS immediately. You can do this by filing a Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, which informs the IRS of the potential fraud. This step is crucial, as it alerts the IRS to scrutinize any tax return filed under your SSN more carefully. Form 14039 can be completed and submitted online, faxed or mailed to the IRS.

  • Contact Other Agencies - Beyond the IRS, you should also report the identity theft to:

    • Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov, which acts as a central reporting point for identity theft and offers a recovery plan.

    • Social Security Administration Inspector General at 800-269-0271

    • Credit bureaus can help prevent further misuse of your personal information

  • Stay Vigilant - Monitor your financial accounts and credit reports regularly for any unauthorized transactions or changes. This proactive approach can help you catch any further attempts at identity theft early.

More Help and Reporting

Stay Informed

To learn more, go to our Look Up My… page and search Identity Theft in the Tax Articles and Topics section.

How to Protect Yourself

An identity protection PIN (IP PIN) is a six-digit number that prevents someone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security number (SSN). It helps us verify your identity when you file your electronic or paper tax return.

If you are a confirmed victim of tax-related identity theft, the IRS will assign you an IP PIN each year.

If you don't already have an IP PIN, you may get an IP PIN as a proactive step to protect yourself from tax-related identity theft.

For more information and to apply for an IP PIN, go here:

A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report, which means you — or others — won’t be able to open a new credit account while the freeze is in place.  Learn more...

  • If suspicious in any way, don't open any attachments, click any links, or forward the message.

  • Read email/text carefully for multiple mis-spelling or awkward wording.

  • Don’t unsubscribe to an email you didn’t sign up for. It tells the spammer they have a “live” address.

  • Delete the message. Don’t reply or engage the messenger.

  • Add email to SPAM or block text number

  • Don't engage; HANG UP!

  • Block the caller.

  • Don't answer unknown numbers.

  • Don't fall for "clickbait", it can make you a target.

  • Don't shop at unfamiliar retailers just because of lower prices. 

  • Before you enter an account number or email address, pause, think.