Identity theft is a serious crime, and it’s important you know how to report it to the IRS if you become a victim. No one wants to go through the hassle of having their identity stolen, but if it does happen, it’s important to report it to the IRS as soon as possible. If you’ve been a victim of identity theft, here’s how to report it to the IRS. Knowing how to report identity theft to the IRS will help to protect your financial security and ensure your rights are not violated. In this article, we’ll provide all the steps needed to report identity theft to the IRS. Keywords: “report identity theft IRS”, “how to report identity theft to the IRS
1. Identity Theft – What You Need to Know
What Is Identity Theft?
Identity theft is the misuse of a person’s personal information without their permission over the internet, in person, or through mail. This can include using somebody’s name, address, Social Security number, driver’s license, credit card numbers, and bank account details. Identity thieves then use this information to get loans, open lines of credit, buy goods and services, or even pretend to be that person.
How Does It Happen?
Identity thieves will look for unsecured websites, take mail from mailboxes, or even dumpster dive for personal information. It’s important to be vigilant against these activities, so make sure to shred any paper that contains your information and protect your online accounts with strong passwords. Social engineering is also a popular technique, whereby someone will trick you into giving them your information, such as a fake caller posing as a bank representative.
Another way identity thieves can access your information is by installing malicious software, such as malware, onto your computer or other electronic device. This type of software can lock you out of your own computer, collect your banking information, or turn your computer into a “zombie” by using it to perform malicious activities on behalf of the criminals.
- Never share your passwords with anyone
- Sign up for credit monitoring
- Monitor your credit reports regularly
- Install good anti-virus and anti-malware software
- Be vigilant when using public Wi-Fi networks
To protect yourself from identity theft, always be wary of third-party websites, only enter personal information when on a secure website, never give away your passwords, and use a two-factor authentication process for important accounts. Finally, make sure to use complicated passwords and to change them often.
2. Reporting Identity Theft to the IRS
If you’re a victim of identity theft and your identity has been used for fraudulent tax filings, it’s important to report it to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as soon as possible. Here’s what you need to do:
- Contact the IRS: Call the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit (IPSU) at 1-800-908-4490 or visit www.identitytheft.gov to fill out the IRS Identity Theft Affidavit, Form 14039. Promtly return the completed form to the IRS.
- File a Police Report: File a local police report about the fraud. Keep a copy of the report for your records.
- Review your Credit Reports: Review your credit reports in case there’s more fraudulent activity, and also set a fraud alert with all 3 major credit reporting bureaus. Close any accounts that have been tampered with.
When you report identity theft to the IRS, you’ll be asked to provide information such as your full name, Social Security number, contact information, and all documents related to the fraud. The IRS then processes your information and puts an alert on your account to help prevent further fraudulent activity. But keep in mind that it can take up to 180 days for the alert to take effect. You can also contact the IRS to receive your Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN). This will help protect your tax accounts from being targeted by identity thieves for the current year and subsequent years.
3. Understanding How the IRS Handles Reports of Identity Theft
When you’re the victim of identity theft, it’s important to understand how the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) handles reporting any fraudulent activity. All taxpayers should be aware of the following:
- You should report the identity theft to the IRS. You can also reach out to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and file a complaint.
- The IRS will become aware of any suspicious activity and verify that you are the one filing taxes using the correct Social Security Number (SSN).
- If the IRS finds any discrepancies between the SSN you’re using and the W2s or other documents you submit, they will contact you directly.
The IRS will also help you if you’re in danger of being falsely accused of tax fraud as a direct result of identity theft. You can fill out form 14039, also known as an identity theft affidivat, to alert the IRS of any stolen information. The form includes a personal statement from you that briefly describes the identity theft issue. Additionally, if your taxes are rejected due to someone else submitting a return using your SSN, the IRS will work with you to validate your original return using the form.
4. Steps You Need To Take To Report Identity Theft to the IRS
Identity theft is a serious and growing problem. Thankfully, you can report this crime to the IRS if it happens to you. After filing a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), here are the :
- Gather Documents: Gather all available documents related to the theft. This includes copies of bills, bank statements, credit reports, and IRS statements you’ve received that are related to the theft.
- Complete the IRS Affidavit Form: Fill out and sign the Form 14039, the Identity Theft Affidavit. This form is available in a few different formats, including printable paper copies or online versions. Be sure to read and follow all directions on the form.
- Send the Affidavit to the IRS: Send the completed form and supporting documents to the IRS. Depending on the type of case, the exact address to send the form and documents to varies. Refer to the instructions on the form.
- Follow the Instructions in the Letter You’re Sent: The IRS will confirm receipt and respond with a letter detailing what the agency needs and what you need to do. Follow all the instructions that are provided.
Note that it’s better to report identity theft as soon as possible to the FTC and the IRS. This is important for stopping the theft and also to avoid a potential IRS audit for fraud or other important reasons. You can find more detailed information from the FTC’s website or the IRS’s page on identity theft.
Q&A
Q: What is Identity Theft?
A: Identity theft is when someone takes your details like your name, date of birth or bank details without your permission and uses them to buy things, receive services or use your credit.
Q: How do I know if I am a victim of Identity Theft?
A: If you get bills for something you haven’t bought, you may be a victim of identity theft. You may also get an incorrect tax refund or tax bill, or your information could be used to get a loan or a job.
Q: How do I report Identity Theft to the IRS?
A: If you think you are the victim of identity theft, you should report it to the IRS as soon as possible. You can do this by filing an Identity Theft Affidavit (Form 14039) at IRS.gov/identitytheft. On this form, you will need to provide the details of the crime and provide evidence to prove you are the victim. The IRS may then take action to help protect you and your finances. To make sure you are protected against identity theft, the best way is to sign up for a LogMeOnce Identity Theft Protection and Dark Web Monitoring account. LogMeOnce provides a reliable and secure protection that is loved by thousands of users around the world. Make sure to take proactive action as soon as possible by visiting LogMeOnce.com to create your FREE account and get one step closer to safeguarding your online identity. With LogMeOnce, you can easily report identity theft to the IRS and protect yourself from the dangers of identity theft.

Nicole’s, journey in the tech industry is marked by a passion for learning and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Whether it’s delving into the latest software developments or exploring innovative computing solutions, Nicole’s expertise is evident in her insightful and informative writing style. Her ability to connect with readers through her words makes her a valuable asset in any technical communication endeavor.