News & Stories

March 2025

Did someone use your SSN to file taxes? Here’s what to do

If you’re filing your taxes online this year, watch for signs of tax identity theft, like someone using your Social Security number (SSN) to file and claim a tax refund. If someone uses your SSN to claim a tax refund before you do, you are most likely to find out when you file your return with the IRS.

• If you submit your tax return online or through a tax preparer, the IRS will reject your tax return as a duplicate.
• If you file by mail, the IRS will mail you a letter stating that they received more than on return in your name.

Once the IRS says there is more than one tax return filed in your name or they see income from an employer you do not work for, act quickly to communicate with the IRS.  In addition, you are encouraged to take the following steps:

1. Report it to IdentityTheft.gov using as many details as possible. The site will create an FTC Identity Theft Report, an IRS Identity Theft Affidavit, and a personal recovery plan.
2. Submit your IRS Identity Theft Affidavit through IdentityTheft.gov or obtain a hard copy of the Identity Theft Affidavit (IRS Form 14039) and submit it by mail. This tells the IRS to begin investigating your case.
3. Follow the steps in your personal recovery plan — like freezing your credit and checking your credit reports — to limit the damage identity theft causes.