Discovering that someone used your identity to commit tax fraud can be overwhelming. A Baltimore, MD tax fraud lawyer knows it often starts with a notice from the IRS—maybe they received a return you didn’t file, or there’s a record of income from an employer you’ve never worked for. In any case, it’s important to act quickly and follow the right steps to protect yourself and prevent further damage. We offer 24/7 live call answering, so trust us with your tax fraud neds today.
Confirm The Fraud With The IRS
The first thing we need to do is confirm the fraud. If the IRS contacts you about a suspicious return, or if you can’t file your taxes because one has already been submitted under your Social Security number, that’s a strong sign. You’ll want to request a copy of the fraudulent return from the IRS. You’ll also need to complete IRS Form 14039, the Identity Theft Affidavit, and submit it along with proof of identity. This alerts the IRS to the issue and gets the process started to correct your records.
Place A Fraud Alert And Review Your Credit
Next, you should place a fraud alert on your credit reports by contacting one of the major credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion. That bureau will then alert the other two. This makes it harder for anyone to open new accounts in your name. It’s also a good idea to request a copy of your credit reports and look for unfamiliar accounts or inquiries. If we spot anything suspicious, you’ll need to report it and follow up with the necessary dispute processes.
File A Police Report
You also need to file a police report. Even if the chances of catching the person are slim, the report creates an official record, which can help support your claims with the IRS, credit bureaus, and any financial institutions involved. It’s helpful to bring copies of any IRS letters, the fraudulent return if you have it, and a government-issued ID when filing the report.
Submit Your Legitimate Tax Return
If you haven’t filed your legitimate tax return yet, you should still do so, even if you have to mail it in rather than file it electronically. We’ll include the Identity Theft Affidavit and any supporting documentation. The IRS will process your return once the fraud issue is resolved, though it may take longer than usual.
Keep Good Records And Use An IP PIN
Throughout this process, you need to keep detailed records. Every phone call, letter, or form should be documented. You should also consider creating an IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN), a six-digit number that adds an extra layer of security to your future tax filings.
Get Legal Help If You’re Facing Tax Identity Theft
While dealing with tax identity theft is time-consuming, it’s not something you have to handle alone. At Crepeau Mourges, we help clients deal with IRS-related identity theft and the legal and financial challenges that follow. If you believe someone has used your identity to commit tax fraud, contact us today. We have over 40 years of experience and are ready to help. We can help you take the right steps to recover and move forward.
