What is tax identity theft and how do I protect myself?

Tax identity theft occurs when someone uses your Social Security number to file a fraudulent tax return and claim your refund. Signs include: the IRS rejects your return because one was already filed with your SSN, you receive a tax transcript you didn't request, you receive an IRS notice about income you didn't earn, or you get a notice that an online IRS account was created in your name. If you're a victim: (1) File IRS Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit), (2) File your legitimate tax return by paper with Form 14039 attached, (3) Respond to any IRS notices immediately, (4) Request an Identity Protection PIN from the IRS (IP PIN) for future returns, (5) File a report with the FTC at identitytheft.gov, (6) Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three credit bureaus. To prevent tax identity theft: file your return as early as possible (before a thief can file in your name), request an IP PIN from the IRS annually, never give out your SSN unnecessarily, monitor your IRS account online, use strong passwords and two-factor authentication, and be wary of phishing emails claiming to be from the IRS (the IRS never initiates contact by email). If identity theft causes a tax debt attributed to you, resolving it requires working with the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit.