Full Notification

Scam Alert! Tax Identity Theft

Tax identity theft occurs when someone steals your Social Security number and files a false tax return. This is also known as stolen refund fraud.

General tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of tax identity theft include:

• Protect your sensitive personal information. Keep passwords hidden and do not carry your Social Security card;

• Shred documents you don't need instead of throwing them away.

• File your taxes early – if your taxes are already filed, potential criminals can’t take advantage of your Social Security number.

• Be cautious of Internal Revenue Service impersonators. The Internal Revenue Service will not contact you by telephone and demand immediate payment. This is a scam!

If someone uses your Social Security number illegally to file a tax return, the Internal Revenue Service will send you a letter stating that more than one tax return was filed on your behalf. Contact the Internal Revenue Service, Identity Protection Specialized Unit, immediately at 1-800-908-4490.

More information from the Federal Trade Commission and the Internal Revenue Service on identifying ( https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5027.pdf?utm_source=taxidta-lp&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=tax-idt-awareness-2018)and reporting tax identity theft is available online at www.irs.gov or www.ftc.gov