My identity was stolen

[AnnetteB6]

Please take a look at the following TurboTax article for some advice and steps you should take right away.

What to do if you suspect tax-related identity theft?

[Mike9241]

the American Institute  of Certified Public Accounts recommends the following in addition to notifying the iRS

Organization What to Do

Credit Agencies
1) Report the identity theft to the fraud department of one of the following reporting agencies as soon as possible. They must notify the other two agencies.
• Equifax: equifax.com
• Experian: experian.com
• TransUnion: transunion.com
2) Request a copy of your credit report and request that only the last
four digits of your Social Security number be placed on the report.
3) Close accounts that you think have been compromised or opened
fraudulently.
4) Inform the credit bureaus and the credit issuers (in writing) of any
fraudulent accounts and incorrect information.
5) Obtain replacement credit cards with new, secure account numbers
and destroy any old cards.
6) Notify those who have received your credit report in the last six
months to alert them to any disputed, fraudulent or incorrect information.
7) Confirm that an extended fraud alert (seven years) is placed on your
credit report.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
1) Report the crime to the FTC to establish an Identity Theft Affidavit.
Identity Theft Victim’s Complaint and Affidavit.

Local Police
1)Report the crime to your local police or sheriff’s department. Make
sure to prompt as much documented evidence as possible.
2)Verify that the report lists the fraudulent accounts and keep a copy
of the report.

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
1) Contact the IRS to report the theft. This will alert them to any claim
for refund or other activity on your account. File IRS Form 14039,
Identify Theft Affidavit.

State Tax Agency
1) Contact your state tax agency to report the theft. Some agencies
may require a police report and/or the IRS affidavit.

Other Agencies and Organizations
1) U.S. mail fraud: Contact your local postal inspector.
• Online: postalinspectors.uspis.gov
• Phone: 800.275.8777
2) Social Security number misuse — non-IRS issues:
-Check your earnings record to make sure no one is using your SSN
to obtain work. Call your local Social Security Administration (SSA)
office if something looks inaccurate.
-Contact the SSA Inspector General to report Social Security benefit
fraud, employment fraud, or welfare fraud.
• Online reporting resources:
- socialsecurity.gov/oig
- Fraud Reporting Form
• SSA fraud hotline: 800.269.0271

[PattiF]

Yes, Mike9241 is correct in listing all of the steps to take after your identity has been stolen.

More information about what to do is contained here with helpful links.

The privacy and security of your tax information is as important to us as it is to you. We take these concerns very seriously.

If you believe you have been a victim of tax-related identity theft, contact us right away.

You will also want to:

1. Most importantly, follow the IRS procedures for reporting a fraudulent return. 
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 (FTC) at 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 and 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