Tax Identity Theft
Tax identity theft is a type of fraud in which someone uses your Social Security number (SSN) or other personal information to file a fraudulent tax return and claim a refund. Here are some important things to know about tax identity theft:
- How it happens: Tax identity theft can occur in a variety of ways. For example, a criminal may obtain your personal information through a data breach, phishing scam, or by stealing your mail. They can then use this information to file a fake tax return and claim a refund.
- The impact on victims: Tax identity theft can be a major hassle for victims. It can result in delayed tax refunds, rejected tax returns, and the need to go through a lengthy process to prove your identity to the IRS. It can also lead to financial losses if the thief uses your information to open new accounts or take out loans.
- How to prevent it: There are several steps you can take to prevent tax identity theft. First, protect your personal information by using strong passwords, avoiding phishing scams, and shredding sensitive documents. You can also monitor your credit reports and sign up for fraud alerts to be notified of any suspicious activity.
- How to respond if it happens to you: If you believe you are a victim of tax identity theft, you should immediately report it to the IRS by filing Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit. You should also contact one of the major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit report. Also, you should call The Office for additional support .
- The IRS’s efforts to combat tax identity theft: The IRS has implemented several measures to combat tax identity theft, including using more advanced fraud detection filters and partnering with tax preparation software companies to improve security. They also offer an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) program that provides an extra layer of protection for victims of identity theft.
In conclusion, tax identity theft is a serious crime that can have a major impact on victims. To prevent it, take steps to protect your personal information, monitor your credit reports, and be vigilant for signs of fraud. If it does happen to you, take immediate action to report it and protect your identity.
We are proud to announce that every tax return prepared at The Office includes the Identity Theft Restoration Program at no additional charge.
We cover our clients with comprehensive identity theft restoration services, including:
- 24/7 access to identity theft restoration advocates
- Notifications to banks and agencies if other forms of ID were stolen
- Fraud alerts on credit records
- Daily credit monitoring from all three bureaus for 6 months after ID theft has been reported
Here, at The Office we provide assistance and support in regards to this issue. Just give us a call @ (817) 901-2323 or email us @ contact@theoffice.online and let us help you..