Tax Tip 2023-74: The IRS alerts taxpayers of suspected identity theft by letter

IRS Tax Tips May 31, 2023
Useful Links: IRS.gov Help For Hurricane Victims News Essentials What's Hot News Releases IRS - The Basics IRS Guidance Media Contacts Facts & Figures Around The Nation e-News Subscriptions The Newsroom Topics Multimedia Center Noticias en Español Radio PSAs Tax Scams/Consumer Alerts The Tax Gap Fact Sheets IRS Tax Tips Armed Forces Latest News IRS Resources Contact Your Local IRS Office Filing Your Taxes Forms & Instructions Frequently Asked Questions Taxpayer Advocate Service Where to File IRS Social Media	Issue Number:  Tax Tip 2023-74 _________________________________________________________ The IRS alerts taxpayers of suspected identity theft by letter Scammers sometimes use stolen Social Security numbers to file fraudulent tax returns and collect refunds. To prevent this, the IRS scans every tax return for signs of fraud. If the system finds a suspicious tax return, the IRS reviews the return and sends a letter to the taxpayer letting them know about the potential ID theft. The IRS won't process the suspicious tax return until the taxpayer responds to the letter. The IRS may send these identify fraud letters to taxpayers: Letter 5071C, Potential Identity Theft with Online Option: This tells the taxpayer to use an online tool to verify their identity and tax return information. If the taxpayer didn't file, they can let the IRS know with the online tool. Letter 4883C, Potential Identity Theft: This tells the taxpayer to call the IRS to verify their identity and tax return information. If the taxpayer didn't file, they can call the Taxpayer Protection Program hotline number on the letter. Letter 5747C, Potential Identity Theft In Person Appointment: This tells the taxpayer to verify their identity and tax return information in person at a local Taxpayer Assistance Center. If the taxpayer didn't file, they can call the Taxpayer Protection Program hotline number on the letter. Letter 5447C, Potential Identity Theft Outside the U.S.: This tells the taxpayer to use an online tool or to call the IRS to verify their identity and tax return information. If the taxpayer didn't file, they can let the IRS know with the online tool. Taxpayers should follow the steps in the letter The identity theft letter will tell the taxpayer the steps they need to take. Taxpayers should follow those steps to resolve the matter with the IRS. Victims of identity theft can find more resources on reporting and recovering from ID theft with the Federal Trade Commission: identitytheft.gov. If the taxpayer received an IRS identity theft letter, they don't need to file an identity theft affidavit If taxpayers need to give the IRS a heads up that they're a victim of identity theft or that they think they may be a victim, they can file Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit. If a taxpayer has already received an IRS letter about identity theft, they don't need to file an affidavit. More information: Identity Theft Central How IRS ID Theft Victim Assistance works Back to top           Thank you for subscribing to IRS Tax Tips, an IRS e-mail service. For more information on federal taxes please visit IRS.gov. This message was distributed automatically from the IRS Tax Tips mailing list. Please Do Not Reply To This Message.

 

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