Secure Your Tax Records From Identity Theft

All taxpayers can now apply for an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN). Go to IRS.gov/GetAnIPPIN to request an IP PIN through your online account, file Form 15227 if your AGI on your last filed return is less than $84,000 ($168,000 if married filing jointly), or make an appointment to visit a Taxpayer Assistance Center.

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information, such as your name, social security number (SSN), or other identifying information, without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes. An identity thief may use your SSN to get a job or may file a tax return using your SSN to receive a refund.

To reduce your risk:

Protect your SSN,

Ensure your employer is protecting your SSN, and

Be careful when choosing a tax return preparer.

If your tax records are affected by identity theft and you receive a notice from the IRS, respond right away to the name and phone number printed on the IRS notice or letter. For more information, see Pub. 5027.

If your SSN has been lost or stolen or you suspect you are a victim of tax-related identity theft, visit IRS.gov/IdentityTheft to learn what steps you should take.

Victims of identity theft who are experiencing economic harm or a systemic problem, or are seeking help in resolving tax problems that haven’t been resolved through normal channels, may be eligible for Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) assistance. You can reach TAS by calling the National Taxpayer Advocate helpline at 877-777-4778. People who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability and who have access to TTY/TDD equipment can call 800-829-4059. Deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals can also contact the IRS through Telecommunications Relay Services at FCC.gov/TRS .

Protect yourself from suspicious emails, texts, and social media messages, phishing schemes, and phone scams.

Phishing is the creation and use of emails, texts, social media messages, and websites designed to mimic legitimate business communication and websites. The most common form is sending an email to a user falsely claiming to be an established legitimate enterprise in an attempt to scam the user into surrendering private information that will be used for identity theft.

The IRS doesn’t initiate contact with or request detailed personal information from taxpayers via emails, texts, or social media messages. Also, the IRS doesn’t ask taxpayers for the PIN numbers, passwords, or similar secret access information for their credit card, bank, or other financial accounts.

If you receive an unsolicited email claiming to be from the IRS, forward the message to phishing@irs.gov . For more information, go to IRS.gov/Phishing . You may also report misuse of the IRS name, logo, forms, or other IRS property to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration toll free at 800-366-4484. People who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability and who have access to TTY/TDD equipment can call 800-877-8339. You can report suspicious emails, texts, and social media messages to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ftc.gov/complaint . You can contact them at www.ftc.gov/idtheft or 877-IDTHEFT (877-438-4338). If you have been the victim of identity theft, see www.IdentityTheft.gov and Pub. 5027. People who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability and who have access to TTY/TDD equipment can call 866-653-4261.

Visit IRS.gov and enter “identity theft” in the search box to learn more about identity theft and how to reduce your risk.

You can report a phone scam to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting or the FTC using the FTC Complaint Assistant at FTC.gov. Add “IRS Telephone Scam” in the notes.