16 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | JUNE 2020
This year, with the COVID-19 pandemic, the IRS has
extended the filing deadline until July 15. Here are some
things to know about tax-related identity theft.
What is tax-related identity theft? Tax-related
identity theft occurs when someone uses your stolen
Social Security number (SSN) to file a tax return
claiming a fraudulent refund. If you become a victim,
the IRS is committed to resolving your case as quickly
as possible. You may be unaware that this has happened until
you e-file your return and discover that a return already has been
filed using your SSN. Or, the IRS may send you a letter saying it has
identified a suspicious return using your SSN. Know the warning
signs. Be alert to possible tax-related identity theft if you are
contacted by the IRS about:
• More than one tax return being filed for you
• You owe additional tax, have a refund offset, or have had collection
actions taken against you for a year you did not file a tax return, or
• IRS records indicate you received wages or other income from an
employer for whom you did not work. If you are a victim of identity
theft, the Federal Trade Commission recommends these steps:
• File a complaint with the FTC at identitytheft.gov.
• Contact one of the three major credit bureaus to place a 'fraud
alert' on your credit records:
• www.Equifax.com 1-888-766-0008
• www.Experian.com 1-888-397-3742
• www.TransUnion.com 1-800-680-7289
• Close any financial or credit accounts opened by
identity thieves
• If your SSN is compromised and you know or
suspect you are a victim of tax-related identity theft,
the IRS recommends these additional steps:
• Respond immediately to any IRS notice; call the
number provided or, if instructed, go to IDVerify.irs.gov.
• Complete IRS Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, if your
e-file return rejects because of a duplicate filing under your SSN or
you are instructed to do so. Use a fileable form at IRS.gov, print, then
attach form to your paper
• Continue to pay your taxes and file your tax return, even if you
must do so by paper.
• If you previously contacted the IRS and did not have a resolution,
contact the IRS for specialized assistance at 1-800-908-4490. The
IRS has teams available to assist you. More information is available
at: IRS.gov/identitytheft or FTC's identitytheft.gov.
• NOTE: The IRS DOES NOT call you (I have received these calls)
to request personal or financial information. This includes any type
of electronic communication, such as text messages and social media
channels.
Neighborhood Watch meets the first Tuesday of the month. ~
Kathy Craven kathycraven@rocketmail.com
Neighborhood Watch
