The Checklist for Tax-Related

ID Theft Victims

It is a sad reality that tax-related identity theft is a growing epidemic in the U.S. If you’ve become the victim ID theft, here is a checklist of things you can do to safeguard yourself from subsequent problems:

Report the Crime

First, file a report with your local police and file a complaint with the FTC at www.identitytheft.gov or by calling at 1-877-438-4338.

Request a Fraud Alert

Contact one of the three major credit reporting agencies — Equifax, Experian, or Transunion — and ask that a fraud alert be placed on your credit records.

Consider Enrolling in Credit Monitoring Programs

You can purchase a credit and fraud monitoring service, which provides instant alerts whenever anyone attempts to open a credit account in your name. This can be an effective backup to fraud alerts.

Contact the IRS

Call the IRS to inform them about the fraud. To clear your tax record, complete IRS Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit. You can use a fillable form at www.IRS.gov, print it, then mail or fax it.

Close Fraudulent Accounts

Close any credit or financial account that has been tampered with by a thief or operated without your permission.

Pay Your Taxes

Continue to pay your taxes and file your tax returns on time, to avoid becoming a victim of the scam.

Stay Attentive

If you contacted the IRS about taxpayer ID theft and did not receive a resolution, contact the Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490 about your case.

To Learn MoreVisit

www.taxdefensenetwork.comOr Call

(800) 691-5390

Source: Levin, Adam. “The Simple Way to Keep Your Tax Refund Safe.” Credit.com. Credit.com Inc., 3 December 2015. Web. 18 January 2016. <http://blog.credit.com/2015/12/the-simple-way-to-keep-your-tax-refund-safe-131435/>