What you can do to prevent tax return identity theft

1. Avoid tax scams.
2. Get your personal identification number (PIN) early.
3. File as soon as you receive all your tax statements.
4. Use your shredder.
5. Keep your paperwork in a secure spot.
6. Check out your tax preparer.

You must also report an eligible Prior Stolen Identity Event to us within the first twelve (12) months of your enrollment in the applicable LifeLock identity theft service. 3. PIDR attempts to restore Your identity by working with the relevant banks, merchants or utilities, by: a.

Tax identity theft is the use of someone else's personal information to file a fraudulent tax return or claim tax benefits. This fraud is particularly pernicious because the legitimate taxpayer may have no way of knowing that fraud has been committed.

Identity theft can affect your tax records if someone else reports wages using your SSN or uses it to obtain a fraudulent tax refund.

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.

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That's right, Davis had his identity stolen 13 times. Speaking of Internet lingo, this is what we in the business refer to as an epic fail. On the website, he posted his gringing mug, his SSN in bold print, and the following message, “I'm Todd Davis of LifeLock. Yes, that is really my social security number.

Tax-related identity theft happens when someone steals your personal information to commit tax fraud. Your taxes can be affected if your Social Security number is used to file a fraudulent return or to claim a refund or credit.

Warning signs of identity theft

• Bills for items you did not buy.
• Debt collection calls for accounts you did not open.
• Information on your credit report for accounts you did not open.
• Denials of loan applications.
• Mail stops coming to, or is missing from, your mailbox.

Some red flags for an audit are round numbers, missing income, excessive deductions or credits, unreported income and refundable tax credits. The best defense is proper documentation and receipts, tax experts say.

If a tax return is flagged, it is sent to the IRS Error Resolution System (ERS). For the 2022 filing season, here are some of the reasons a tax return may be sent to ERS: The amount of Economic Impact Payment (EIP) claimed on the tax return does not match IRS records; or.

When you discover another a tax return has been filed with your Social Security number, you'll use IRS Form 14039 to alert the IRS. When you complete this form, you'll indicate that someone has stolen your identity and it has affected your tax account since they have filed a return using your identifying information.