If you receive a request from the IRS to verify your identity, follow the instructions in the letter carefully and respond to the IRS in a timely fashion. Delay on your part will delay the processing of your return and the issuance of any refund you may have due.
You may respond to the IRS by phone or online. Before contacting the IRS be prepared with a copy of your current tax return, your tax return from the previous year, and all related supporting forms and schedules, including Forms W-2, 1098, 1099s, etc.
In
response to the increasing tax-related identity theft problem, the
Internal Revenue Service is monitoring tax returns for signs of
fraudulent activity. The most frequent scam is when thieves use a
person’s name and Social Security number to file a fraudulent return and
steal a tax refund. When the IRS suspects a return is fraudulent, the
agency will request identity verification from the person whose name and
address is listed on the return. Please understand that the increased vigilance being exercised by the IRS is for your protection.
