Get your taxes done using TurboTax

You will want to take the following steps:

1. (Most important) Follow the IRS procedures for reporting a fraudulent return, documented here: www.irs.gov/uac/Taxpayer-Guide-to-Identity-Theft
2. Monitor your credit reports through TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian for any suspicious activity.
3. File a police report with your local law enforcement agency.
4. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at www.identitytheft.gov or the FTC Identity Theft Hotline at 1-877-438-4338 or TTY 1-866-653-4261.

If your Social Security number is compromised and you know or suspect you are a victim of tax-related identity theft, take these additional steps:

• Respond immediately to any IRS notice; call the number provided.
• Complete IRS Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit. Then print and mail or fax according to the instructions.
• Continue to pay your taxes and file your tax return, even if you must do so by paper.

The IRS has a host of useful information and resources on tax-related identity theft:

• A special section at IRS.gov dedicated to identity theft issues, including YouTube videos, tips for taxpayers, and an assistance guide.
• For victims, the information includes how to contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit. For other taxpayers, there are tips on how taxpayers can protect themselves against identity theft.
• Taxpayers who may be at risk for identity theft (for example, your wallet, purse, or computer was recently stolen) should visit the IRS identity protection page.
• If you receive a suspicious email that appears to be from either the IRS or an organization closely linked to the IRS (such as EFTPS), visit the Report Phishing page at IRS.gov.
• Click here for general information on how to report tax-related fraud to the IRS.
• To prevent tax-related identity theft, see Protect Yourself from Identity Theft.

These sites can help you understand identity theft and how to protect yourself:

• FTC Identity Theft Resource Center (www.ftc.gov/idtheft)
• Identity Theft Resource Center (idtheftcenter.org)
• OnGuardOnLine.gov

We're all vulnerable to this crime, but there are additional things you can do that will reduce your risk of becoming a victim.

• If you file by mail, do it at a post office, not from an unlocked mailbox in front of your house.
• If you file electronically, use a secure computer on a secure network.

• I got a call from the IRS demanding money. Is this a scam?
• I received a TurboTax email or text message, addressed to a stranger. Do I need to worry?
• How can I protect the tax files on my computer?

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 Answered by TurboTax FAQ to this question