Skip to content

Someone Filed Taxes in Your Name? Here’s Your Action Plan

  1. Home
  2. Insights
  3. Taxes
  4. Someone Filed Taxes in Your Name? Here’s Your Action Plan
Home
Insights
Taxes
Someone Filed Taxes in Your Name? Here’s Your Action Plan

Someone Filed Taxes in Your Name? Here’s Your Action Plan

Someone Filed Taxes in Your Name? Here’s Your Action Plan

Few things shake you up quite like an unexpected letter from the IRS. And if that letter is telling you someone filed a tax return using your information? That’s legitimately stressful.

Tax identity theft is real, it’s growing, and it’s affecting more people every year. The good news? You’re not helpless. We’re walking you through exactly what to do if this happens to you—and how to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

What is tax identity theft, anyway?

Tax identity theft happens when someone uses your personal information to file a fraudulent tax return in your name. Their goal? Usually to snag your refund before you do, or to get a job and avoid paying taxes themselves. Either way, it’s a headache you shouldn’t have to deal with.

The troubling part: this crime is on the rise. And when it does happen, it can take months (sometimes over a year) for the IRS to fully resolve your case. The sooner you catch it and act, the better.

How do thieves get your information?

Tax identity thieves are creative—and persistent. Here are the most common ways they get what they need:

  • Data breaches from websites or companies you trust
  • Lost or stolen wallets containing your personal docs
  • Phishing emails or texts pretending to be from the IRS
  • Phone scams where someone impersonates an IRS agent
  • Unauthorized access to your IRS Online Account
  • Someone you know—yes, sometimes it’s a family member or ex-partner with access to your Social Security number

How to spot tax identity theft

Here’s the catch: you might not realize you’ve been targeted until months after it happens. That’s because fraudsters move fast, filing returns early in tax season before you get the chance to file yourself.

Watch for these red flags:

Your return gets rejected. When you try to file, the IRS says you’ve already filed for that year. They might mention an employer you’ve never heard of or other unfamiliar details on the return.

You get a suspicious IRS letter. The IRS may ask you to verify your identity, or notify you that someone created an IRS Online Account in your name.

If this is happening to you: 5 steps to take right now

Don’t panic—but do act fast. Here’s your roadmap:

Step 1: Call the IRS immediately

If you received an IRS notice about fraudulent activity on your SSN or ITIN, call the number on that notice right away. Have your prior year’s tax return handy to help verify who you are.

Step 2: Report it to IdentityTheft.gov

Head to IdentityTheft.gov and file a report. This gives you a personalized recovery plan and guidance on next steps—like reporting to police or your bank if needed.

Step 3: File the IRS Identity Theft Affidavit

Complete Form 14039 (the Identity Theft Affidavit) and submit it online or by mail. Need help? Call 800-908-4490.

Step 4: Check your credit reports

Go to AnnualCreditReport.com and pull all three of your credit reports. Look for suspicious accounts or activity you don’t recognize. If you spot anything sketchy, contact that credit bureau and file a dispute.

Step 5: Freeze your credit

Call Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion to place credit freezes on your accounts. This prevents fraudsters from opening new accounts in your name.

Protect yourself going forward

Once you’ve dealt with the immediate crisis, these steps will help keep it from happening again:

File your taxes early. The earlier you file, the harder it is for someone else to beat you to it.

Use strong passwords on your IRS Online Account and other financial accounts. Think random combinations of numbers, letters, and symbols.

Enable two-factor authentication wherever it’s available—especially on sensitive accounts like your IRS profile.

Monitor your accounts regularly. Check your credit reports, bank statements, and IRS transcripts throughout the year. Piere can help automate this kind of monitoring so you’re not constantly stressed about what’s happening with your money.

Shred sensitive documents before tossing them. Tax returns, W-2s, bank statements—all fair game for dumpster divers.

Be skeptical of unsolicited contact. The IRS won’t call you out of the blue demanding payment. If something feels off, it probably is.

You’ve got this

Tax identity theft is scary, but it’s also manageable if you respond quickly and stay organized. The key is catching it early and following through on the steps above. And remember—you’re not alone in this. Thousands of people deal with tax fraud every year, and they get through it. So can you.

The best part? Once you’ve secured your situation, you can get back to what matters: building wealth and letting your money work for you.