TurboTax won't let me file because of an identity theft affadavit, what do I do?

You can begin today to start the process. You did need to complete your tax return so that you can file it.

 

File by mail and then attach the Identity Theft Affidavit with your return or FAX it in advance, then place a copy with the tax return you mail.  The IRS will not accept the tax return through e-file. 

 

You can include a copy of your Photo ID and your social security card to the IRS with Form 14039.  Notice it can be mailed or faxed in the instructions.  This is for Identity Theft resolution.

 

For more information use this IRS page: Taxpayer Guide to Identity Theft

 

There should be no other reason to send your identification to the IRS.

 

Should you need to contact them by phone you can use the following information. (At this time it's very difficult to get phone assistance.)

• Calling is extremely time consuming right now. If you want to try, call very early or very late based on the times below.
  • January - April  800-829-1040
    • Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time, unless otherwise noted.
    • Telephone service wait times can average 15 minutes. Some telephone service lines may have longer wait times. 
    • Telephone service wait times are higher on Monday and Tuesday

• You can try to Contact the Local IRS Office using this link.
•  

Hi Diane thank you for the response.

 

Turbotax won't give me the option to download the forms so I Can send it in the mail though.

 

I'm very confused, I already paid over $100 but it's not letting my get past the "review" stage. I have the Theft Affidavit filled out and ready to go, but I can't seem to find out how to get my turbotax forms downloaded now that I can't e-file

You can e-file the forms by switching your answer to "no" and then faxing your Photo ID and your social security card to the IRS with Form 14039. If you want to file by mail, can you tell us what the review stage error is to help you get past it? Once your return is paid, you should be able to print your forms. Follow these steps:

1. look on the left sidebar,
2. select tools
3. select print center
4. Select Print, save or preview this year's return

I'm confused and therefore wondering if I'm missing something. My wife's SS# (I think it was SS#) was hacked like 10 years ago. Since that time she's received a PIN from the IRS. TurboTax asks for the PIN. Which we provided this year and previous years. In previous years I don't recall any additional questions. Just the request for the PIN. Also, no problem/restriction with e-filing. Now this year the questions and no e-file. Even the PIN letter states -- If filing electronically, your tax software or preparer will tell you when and where to enter it.

 

Clearly the IRS expects you to be able to file electronically. This feels like one of those very annoying bugs that happen from time to time in turbotax and don't get addressed in a timely manner.

 

If anyone has thoughts on an error I'm causing I would appreciate your input.

@heatherusty 

To enter, edit or delete a 6 digit IP PIN

• Click on Federal Taxes (Personal using Home and Business)
• Click on Other Tax Situations
• Scroll down to Other Return Info
• On Identity Protection PIN, click the start button

Or enter ip pin in the Search box located in the upper right of the program screen. Click on Jump to ip pin

Thank you for attempting to help. However, I had no problem entering the PIN. If my post did not indicate that my apologies.

 

Since you are allowed to enter the PIN (hopefully necessary to file a return) and then answer no to the question -- Did you or someone on your tax return experience identity theft? -- additional questions are not asked. Nor are you told you can't e-file.

 

If you think about it: Why would you have a PIN in the first place if you'd not had an issue with ID? The question about ID theft feels redundant if you just entered the PIN. I'm hoping this means TT did a poor job of phrasing the questions.

 

I answered no to the question but still looking for input as it'll be a day or two before I get done with state and filed.

An Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is a six-digit number that prevents someone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security number. The IP PIN is known only to you and the IRS and helps us verify your identity when you file your electronic or paper tax return. Sometimes the IRS catches situations that the tax filer knows nothing about. I understand you have your pin number and it seems you are just asking why the questions were being asked after the PIN was entered. I don't think anyone can answer definitely because each situation is different in most cases. I do understand why you are asking and it is noted. 

I am having a similar issue. I have a PIN, and TurboTax let me enter that, but it kept prompting me to answer who (me and/or my dependent) experienced Business Identity Theft. Neither of us has, but there was no option to answer no and continue. Throughout the section it kept asking me to complete an affidavit and attaching it to a mailed return. I deleted the affidavit, and it still kept dragging me through the Business Identity Theft portion. It was an endless cycle. Obviously there is something in the programming of that section that is faulty. I had to follow part of one of the expert replies above, and click on the top navigation menu for Other Tax Situations, then scroll down to the bottom to "Let's Keep Going" in order to do just that. I was able to successfully file my return electronically, but it was needlessly complicated.