What to do When Someone Else Claims Your Tax Return

Identity theft is unfortunately something which occurs rather frequently. One form of identity theft involves a thief falsely claiming someone else’s tax return as their own. Identity thieves file tax returns using false information and documents. It makes it nearly impossible for the real person to file their tax returns, and in some cases it causes the victim to experience a significant delay in processing their return. Here are a few things you should do if someone happens to fraudulently claim your tax return.

Report Tax Fraud to the IRS

If you receive a notification that a tax return has already been filed for your social security number, contact the IRS immediately. You may be placed on-hold, but it is important to wait on-hold until it is your turn in line. Explain to the representative that you tried to file your taxes but received a notification that a return was already filed – but you did not submit the return.

Gather Proof of Identity Documents

The IRS is going to ask for documentation to prove your own identity. It seems a bit much, but they have to be sure that you are not trying to defraud them. You will be asked to provide documents like birth certificates, copies of photo IDs, copies of social security cards and possibly employment records.

Closing Thoughts

Once you have the list of requested information from the IRS, gather it quickly, and send it off. The faster the IRS receives your documents, the faster they can process the fraud claim. Now, if someone has claimed you as a dependent on their return but you are not a dependent, the same set of documents is likely to be requested.

Image credit: Chris Potter