If your child's SSN was used on someone else's tax return, you will not be able to e-file your own return that claims your child, so you must file by mail instead. The IRS will process your return and sort out the duplicate use of the SSN.
When you mail a tax return, you need to attach any documents showing tax withheld, such as your W-2’s or any 1099’s. Use a mailing service that will track it, such as UPS or certified mail so you will know the IRS/state received the return.
Federal and state returns must be in separate envelopes and they are mailed to different addresses. Read the mailing instructions that print with your tax return carefully so you mail them to the right addresses.
Someone may have used the SSN by mistake (a typo, etc.) or on purpose. But when there has been a duplicate use of an SSN, the first return is the only one that can be accepted by e-file. If your child is old enough to file a tax return of their own ---after school job, etc.?--- it may have been your own child who said on their return that no one else could claim them as a dependent. Or an old GF or BF, or other family member might have used your child's SSN on a tax return. The IRS will not tell you.
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900655-what-to-do-if-you-suspect-tax-related-identity-theft
Most important) Follow the IRS procedures for reporting a fraudulent return, documented here: www.irs.gov/uac/Taxpayer-Guide-to-Identity-Theft
IRS INFORMATION REFERRAL TO REPORT VIOLATION OF TAX LAW
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f3949a.pdf
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.
6-digit IP NUMBER FROM IRS
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USIRS/bulletins/2af48f0?reqfrom=share
to get your new PIN from the IRS
- https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/retrieve-your-ip-pin
**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**
