If your ex filed the tax return without your permission and forged your signature, here are steps you can take to get a copy of the return and protect yourself:
- Contact the IRS: Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. They can help you confirm whether a return has been filed using your information. You may need to verify your identity, so have your personal details ready, such as your Social Security number (SSN), address, and any previous tax information.
- Request a Transcript: The IRS can provide a tax return transcript or a tax account transcript, which will show what was filed. You can request this online through the IRS website (get transcript service) or by calling them.
- File a Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit): If you suspect identity theft (since your ex forged your signature), you should file this form with the IRS. This helps alert the IRS that your information might be misused and triggers a more thorough investigation.
- Request a Copy of the Tax Return: If needed, you can request a copy of your tax return from the IRS by submitting Form 4506. There is a fee for this service, but it will provide a full copy of the tax return as filed.
- Report the Fraud: You may also want to file a police report and alert the IRS of the fraud. Consider consulting a lawyer to understand your legal options.
It’s crucial to act quickly to address this issue, as filing taxes with forged signatures can lead to serious financial and legal consequences.